Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a modern psychotherapy approach that utilizes eye movements during treatment. It is common in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorders in people who have experienced a traumatic event such as rape, armed attack, and war. You can seek EMDR in Park Slope to relieve the severity of post-traumatic stress disorder.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
No one exactly knows how EMDR works; however, several studies reveal that human brains can no longer process information as they should after a trauma. Therefore, any triggers such as sounds, sensations, and images remain frozen in your brain in such a way that you cannot detach from a negative situation. It can impact your day-to-day activities and affect your relationships. Additionally, it can cause panic and increased negativity.
Eye movements help your brain to process negative emotions or feelings and put things into the right perspective. They work by bridging the initial shock from present emotions.
Although people can heal naturally after a traumatic situation, it is not always the case. When the trauma is extreme, you may feel vulnerable, and that is when your doctor applies EMDR therapy to unlock this information which is literally frozen in time. These techniques help in reactivating your brain capacity and promote the healing process.
EMDR is effective in treating other conditions such as anxiety, eating disorders, phobias, stress, personality disorders, and grief after losing a loved one.
What Happens During EMDR Therapy?
During EMDR therapy, your doctor will schedule different sessions so that you can go through different treatment phases. The number of sessions differs amongst individuals and the severity of the trauma.
David Salvage, MD, FAPM will divide the treatment into different stages, including diagnosis, planning, preparation, relaxation, and evaluation. Next, the doctor puts you through desensitization, anchoring, and body balance technique. The last stages are the conclusion and reassessment phases.
How Long Does An EMDR Therapy Session Last?
A typical EMDR therapy can last for several weeks to many months, depending on your recovery. The first session is a one-on-one meeting with your doctor, who sets up a personalized program. Every patient's needs are unique, but a session can last up to one hour.
During the visit, both you and your doctor will highlight the challenges that require immediate attention. You may be asked to evoke images, memories, thoughts, and emotions related to the trauma. Your specialist will use eye stimulation to help your brain process the information. As the session progresses, you will notice a gradual change and a feeling of acceptance.
What Are The Side Effects Of EMDR?
At the onset, the treatment can overwhelm you as you embrace traumatic events in your life. However, as time goes by, you can relate to the past and achieve emotional stability.
If you are interested in booking an EMDR therapy program, contact your specialists who will arrange a personalized program that will meet your needs.
