You might be feeling stuck and unable to put the past behind you. Maybe you’ve experienced a stressful event or painful emotions that keep playing over and over. Or you have tried talk therapy and still are struggling with negative thoughts and emotions. If this sounds like you, then EMDR therapy may be an approach to trauma and anxiety treatment that helps you get the relief you need and deserve.
EMDR therapy is an effective trauma therapy that can rapidly relieve trauma and anxiety symptoms. Interested in learning how EMDR could help you? Wellview Counseling offers Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, and we’d be honored to help you move forward in your journey to feel better.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a noninvasive type of therapy that can provide effective relief to people struggling with a variety of mental health issues. EMDR has been used to help people who have experienced a traumatic event or are struggling with PTSD. However, EMDR therapy can be a helpful way to address anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and so on.
Some Concerns That EMDR Can Address:
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Nightmares
- Social Phobia
- Depression
- Grief and Loss
- Sleep disorders
- Trauma due to Abuse, Violence, or Sexual Assault
So How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
EMDR helps the brain reprocess memories and emotions so that they are no longer so distressing. EMDR works with the brain’s natural neuroplasticity to help integrate memories and begin the brain’s healing process. It’s different from regular talk therapy in that you can address traumatic events in small manageable pieces rather than talking about the trauma in exhaustive detail.
EMDR uses a technique called bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping. EMDR was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro, and it has been extensively researched and used to treat trauma ever since. The technique has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) as a treatment for trauma.
What to Expect in an EMDR Session
You can read more about what to expect during the various stages of the EMDR process here. But basically, your therapist will guide you through a series of eye movements or other types of bilateral stimulation. As you focus on the stimuli, you’ll be asked to bring up the distressing memory or emotion. The therapist will then help you process the memory or emotion in a new and more adaptive way. This might involve reframing the memory, identifying new beliefs about yourself or the world, or finding ways to cope with the distressing emotions.
Learn More about EMDR
Want to learn more before getting started? You can find more information at EMDR International Association at https://www.emdria.org/ They have a very robust website with helpful information about EMDR, including research and professional certification requirements.
Getting Started with EMDR Therapy in Roswell GA
If you are interested in getting started with EMDR therapy, the first step is to reach out and give us a call. We are fortunate to have a talented and compassionate therapist who specializes in EMDR. Kallie Nauertz, LCSW has received training in EMDR and is an experienced trauma therapist who loves working with teens and adults. She creates a safe place for you to explore what’s holding you back and to develop a plan to find relief. You can read more about Kallie here or give her a call today at 678-288-6221 to begin your healing journey.