THE BENEFITS OF EMDR THERAPY:

 

Have you ever experienced a situation where a sensation like an image or a sound brought you back to an experience within seconds?

Have you ever noticed a coworker handling a stressful situation with a smile or sense of humor while you are ruminating about it?

Our perceptions and behaviors are based upon our past experiences, and this becomes encoded in our memories. We all have different experiences, some of which can be traumatizing. These traumatic experiences can negatively affect our behavior years from when they occurred.

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a form of psychotherapy for adults , teens, and children that specifically targets these adverse life experiences and helps the brain reprocess them.
As we grow up, our minds are like blank slates, collecting information around our environment. Our previously formed perceptions, some of which may be negative, determine how we react to situations. Even as adults, we continue collecting information and reacting to our environment. If not processed, even recent negative events or unprocessed and unrecognized childhood traumatic memories can lead us to accumulative unresolved issues that make us feel stuck, anxious keeping us from performing at our best.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a psychotherapy approach primarily used to treat trauma-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or complex and relational trauma. The positive outcomes associated with EMDR therapy stem from its unique methodology and effectiveness in processing traumatic memories.

Here are some of the positive outcomes often reported by individuals who undergo EMDR therapy:

Reduction in Traumatic Symptoms: EMDR therapy aims to alleviate symptoms associated with trauma, such as intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, and hyper-vigilance. By reprocessing traumatic memories, individuals often experience a significant reduction in these symptoms, leading to an improved quality of life.

Increased Emotional Regulation: Trauma can disrupt emotional regulation, leading to heightened emotional responses and difficulties in managing emotions. EMDR therapy helps individuals process traumatic memories in a way that promotes emotional healing and regulation. As a result, individuals may experience a greater sense of control over their emotions and reactions.

Enhanced Cognitive Functioning: Trauma can impact cognitive functioning, including attention, concentration, and memory. EMDR therapy assists individuals in integrating traumatic memories, which can lead to improvements in cognitive functioning. This may include increased clarity of thought, better concentration, and enhanced memory recall.

Improved Self-Esteem and Self-Concept: Trauma can negatively affect one’s self-esteem and self-concept, leading to feelings of worthlessness, shame, and self-blame. Through the processing of traumatic memories and the resolution of associated negative beliefs, individuals often experience a boost in self-esteem and a more positive self-concept.

Empowerment and Resilience: EMDR therapy empowers individuals by helping them confront and process traumatic experiences in a safe and controlled environment. As individuals work through their trauma and its associated symptoms, they often develop a greater sense of resilience and inner strength, which can serve them well in coping with future challenges.

Reduction in Avoidance Behaviors: Individuals who have experienced trauma may engage in avoidance behaviors as a coping mechanism to avoid reminders of the traumatic event. EMDR therapy helps individuals confront and process these memories, reducing the need for avoidance behaviors and allowing them to engage more fully in their lives.

Enhanced Interpersonal Relationships: Trauma can strain interpersonal relationships due to difficulties in trust, communication, and emotional intimacy. By addressing and resolving traumatic memories, individuals may experience improvements in their relationships, as they are better able to communicate their needs, establish boundaries, and trust others.

Overall, the positive outcomes of EMDR therapy are rooted in its ability to facilitate the processing and integration of traumatic memories, leading to symptom reduction, emotional healing, and improved overall well-being.

 

 

About the Author

Karine Bertram is Marriage & Family Therapist who is highly trained in EMDR Therapy. She has treated several clients and had many successful outcomes with EMDR treatment. Her goal is to help you fall in love with life again and free you from anything standing in your way.

January 30, 2023