Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can be caused by traumatic events. Often the most thought of one is military combat but it can also be caused by natural disasters, car accidents, or assault. PTSD can cause a variety of symptoms such as anxiety, avoidance, and intrusive thoughts that can affect both physical and mental health. It can make it difficult to go about your daily life and enjoy the activities you once loved.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) is a well-known treatment method for PTSD. It is known to not only be effective in the treatment of PTSD but also in reducing the overall symptoms and pain associated with it. So, what other benefits does EMDR therapy offer to those struggling with PTSD? In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits that EMDR can bring to those living with PTSD.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy that was developed by the American psychologist Francine Shapiro. It helps to reduce distress and improve mental health by using eye movement to reprocess traumatic memories. The core principle of EMDR is that the right and left sides of our brains are connected and can help facilitate healing from trauma.
EMDR differs from talk therapy as it aims to not retraumatize the client by having them relive their experience. Rather, it focuses on desensitizing the memory associated with the trauma. However, EMDR is a more intensive therapy with it consisting of 8 stages. Each one of these stages is essential in leading up to the memory reprocessing that occurs during treatment.
How Does EMDR Help Heal Trauma?
As mentioned above, EMDR works to desensitize the memory associated with the trauma and then reprocess it. It does this by using dual attention stimuli like eye movements, sounds, and tactile taps. This way the memories, stimuli, and the emotions associated can be examined and re-evaluated. It can lessen the triggering effects and intensity of the memory.
By doing this, EMDR works to open up areas of the brain that were previously closed off due to the trauma. This allows for greater connectivity and integration of ideas, emotions, memories, and thoughts. EMDR can also help people to recognize any underlying beliefs they may have about themselves that are distorted or unhelpful. For example, “I’m not worthy” or “No one will care about me”. By recognizing these beliefs, it can help the person to come up with new ones to replace them with.
EMDR in Terms of PTSD
When it comes to PTSD, EMDR can be especially helpful in treating the condition. It works to bring relief from the symptoms. These can be flashbacks and nightmares along with the extreme anxiety and avoidance associated with PTSD. It can also help to reduce physical symptoms like an increased heart rate or sweating which can happen when certain triggers occur.
When it comes to treating PTSD, EMDR can be used in conjunction with other therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The combination of the two forms of treatment can really tackle the issues that come with PTSD. For example, CBT can help to address the thought patterns and behaviors associated with PTSD while EMDR helps to reduce the distress associated with traumatic memories. However, EMDR can help the process of replacing negative thoughts with more positive ones. For example, in the case of PTSD, this could be replacing the thought “I’m not safe” with “I am safe now in this moment”.
The Benefits of Treating PTSD With EMDR
As EMDR is one of the more well-known treatments for PTSD, it is worth exploring the benefits it can offer. As PTSD can be debilitating, it is essential to have effective treatments. Ones that can help you to manage the symptoms, reduce distress, and move on with life. Here are some of the benefits that EMDR therapy can offer for those struggling with PTSD:
Rapid Reduction and Relief
With EMDR, people can work through their traumatic memories and begin to experience relief from the symptoms associated with PTSD. This is because EMDR helps to desensitize the memories, triggers, and emotions surrounding them. This way, the reaction to them will be less intense and can reduce the distress caused.
Addressing Root Causes of Trauma
EMDR can help to go beyond just reducing the symptoms of PTSD. It helps to address and work through the root cause of it. This can be through identifying unhelpful beliefs and replacing them with healthier ones. It also helps to bring closure and understanding to the traumatic experience which can help to bring long-term healing. For example, it can help you see childhood trauma from an adult lens, reducing the effect it has on your life today.
Minimizing Risk of Relapse and Promoting Long-term Healing
Through EMDR, you’re not only looking to reduce the symptoms in the short term. The healing process is more about addressing and working through the root cause of trauma. This allows your mind and body to heal on a deeper, more physiological level. This way, the risk of relapse is much lower and you are more likely to experience long-term healing.
Improving Emotional Regulation and Coping Skills
When it comes to PTSD, the condition can make it difficult to regulate your emotions as situations, sounds, and smells can trigger intense emotions. Through EMDR therapy, you can learn how to manage and control your emotions in a healthy way. This is helpful for those who struggle with PTSD as it can help them to avoid feeling overwhelmed or out of control when certain triggers occur. For example, if a certain sound brings up intense emotion, they can learn to control those feelings by using breathing techniques or mindfulness.
Enhancing Self-Awareness and Self-Esteem
Another way EMDR can help those with PTSD is through enhancing self-awareness and self-esteem. As we work through the root causes of our trauma, we can gain insight into our thoughts and beliefs about ourselves. This allows us to take a step back and see how we may be negatively judging ourselves. Or, how we can work to build our self-esteem. This way, we can recognize any distorted thinking and start to see ourselves in a more positive light.
EMDR is a great form of treatment for PTSD as it allows traumatic memories, emotions, and triggers to be desensitized. Through this process, the intensity of these feelings can be reduced. Then any of the negative beliefs we are holding about ourselves can be identified and replaced with more positive ones. This allows for long-term healing as the root cause of trauma is being addressed.
Interested in Working With an EMDR Therapist in Milton, Roswell, or Milton, GA?
Healing from trauma is a process that can take time. But with the help of EMDR therapy, the process can be made easier and more effective. You no longer have to be retraumatized by the memories and emotions associated with a traumatic event. Our team of therapists at Wellview Counseling understands how PTSD can make it difficult to live your life to its fullest potential. That’s why we are here to help you heal in a safe and caring environment. We want to support you in receiving the care you need to feel better. If you’re in the Milton, Roswell, or Alpharetta area and are interested in learning more about EMDR therapy::
- Contact Wellview Counseling
- Meet with Our Therapists
- Begin Healing From Trauma!
Other Therapy Services Offered at Wellview Counseling
Our therapists at Wellview Counseling understand that you may be struggling with more than trauma but other challenges that may stem from it. This is why we offer a variety of therapy services to help you manage any of the challenges that you may be facing. We offer child counseling, teen counseling, family counseling, postpartum depression and anxiety counseling, trauma and PTSD treatment, therapy for those with a chronic illness, and more. Regardless of the challenge you face, our therapists are here to help. Our office is in Roswell, GA, but we also offer online therapy to anyone in Georgia. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment please feel welcome to reach out to us!
About the Author
Introducing Ashley Bobo, MSW, LCSW, a highly experienced therapist specializing in trauma-related stress, anxiety, and depression. With a remarkable track record spanning over two decades, Ashley is deeply committed to helping individuals and families conquer life’s challenges. She offers personalized and compassionate support tailored to each person’s unique needs, fostering healing and building resilience. Although Ashley doesn’t personally provide EMDR, if you’re seeking the benefits of EMDR for PTSD, she can guide you on your path toward recovery. To learn more about Ashley and her practice, Wellview Counseling’s website.
My friend has been going through a really tough time lately, and it’s clear that they’re struggling to cope with past traumas. I want to help them find a trauma therapist who can provide the specialized support and guidance they need to navigate through their emotions and begin the healing process. So, we appreciate that you talked about how with EMDR, your goal is not only to temporarily lessen your symptoms; rather, the healing process focuses on identifying and resolving the trauma’s underlying causes.