What is EMDR Trauma Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from many different treatment approaches, and has been developed over the past 30 years through the contributions of therapists and researchers all over the world.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
When a person goes through a traumatic or upsetting experience, their brain cannot process information as it does ordinarily. One moment becomes "frozen in time," and remembering a trauma may feel as bad as going through it the first time because the images, sounds, smells, and feelings haven't changed. Such memories have a lasting negative effect that interferes with the way a person sees the world and the way they relate to other people.
EMDR seems to have a direct effect on the way that the brain processes information. Normal information processing is resumed, so following a successful EMDR session, a person no longer relives the images, sounds, and feelings when the event is brought to mind. You still remember what happened, but it is less upsetting. EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs naturally during dreaming or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Therefore, EMDR can be thought of as a physiologically based therapy that helps a person see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way.
How Long Does EMDR Therapy Take?
One or more sessions are required for the therapist to understand the nature of the problem and to decide whether EMDR therapy is an appropriate treatment. The therapist will also discuss EMDR therapy more fully and provide an opportunity to ask questions about the method. A typical EMDR therapy session lasts from 60-90 minutes. The type of problem, life circumstance and the amount of previous trauma will determine how many treatment sessions are necessary.
What is the Actual EMDR Therapy Session Like?
The client calls to mind the disturbing issue or event, what was seen, felt, heard, thought, etc., and what thoughts and beliefs are currently held about that event. The therapist facilitates the directional movement of the eyes or other dual attention stimulation of the brain, while the client focuses on the disturbing material, and the client just notices whatever comes to mind without making any effort to control direction or content. Each person will process information uniquely, based on personal experiences and values.
Sets of eye movements are continued until the memory becomes less disturbing and is associated with positive thoughts and beliefs about one's self; for example, "I did the best I could." During EMDR therapy, the client may experience intense emotions, but by the end of the session, most people report a great reduction in the level of disturbance.
What Kind of Problems Can EMDR Therapy Treat?
post-traumatic stress disorders
personality disorders
panic attacks
complicated grief
dissociative disorders
body dysmorphic disorders
disturbing memories
phobias
eating disorders
performance anxiety
stress reduction
addictions
sexual abuse
physical abuse
pain disorders
EMDR therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that uses bilateral stimulation to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences, reduce distressing symptoms, and promote emotional well-being. It has gained recognition and popularity for its effectiveness in addressing a wide range of psychological issues related to trauma and distress.
Online EMDR Therapy in Olds, Alberta
At Williamson & Associates, we understand how difficult it can be struggle. Our clinicians work with those experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and much more. All of our therapists offer online counselling sessions, and our trauma therapists are trained in EMDR Therapy. In fact, EMDR Therapy is one of the favourite treatment methods among our trauma therapists. Along with working with adults, we can work with anyone in person at our Olds, Alberta location, or online with anyone in the province of Alberta.
How Williamson & Associates Counselling in Alberta and Trauma Therapy in Alberta Can Improve Your Life!
EMDR Therapy in Olds, Alberta can help you get to a place in your life where you feel peace, ease, freedom and lighter again.
If you're deciding if EMDR Therapy in Olds, Alberta or Online in Alberta is right for you, contact us for a free 15-minute phone consultation and meet Ardelle and Kimberly, our EMDR therapists. Reach out today to get relief, and begin your journey with therapy. We’d be happy to hear about what is happening and answer any questions you might have.
See other posts about EMDR:
What Is Trauma? Trauma Therapy
Who Can Benefit From EMDR Therapy?