Healing Trauma with EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Hello Readers!
Shailyn Waites here, therapist and former university athlete, back for a daily blog post. Let’s explore the benefits of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), an evidence-based therapeutic approach making significant strides in mental health therapy. This post aims to discuss what EMDR entails, showcase potential benefits for healing and growth, and dive into the latest research validating its efficacy.
Understanding EMDR
EMDR is a structured therapeutic approach designed to assist individuals in processing past traumatic experiences using bilateral stimulation like eye movements or tapping. Recognizing the interconnection between thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, EMDR aims to restore emotional well-being.
Supported by extensive research, EMDR demonstrates remarkable efficacy in addressing various psychological conditions, ushering in lasting positive changes.
Potential Benefits of EMDR
Discover the range of potential benefits EMDR can offer:
- Resolution of Traumatic Experiences:
- Process distressing memories, reducing emotional and physical impact.
- Relief from Anxiety and Depression:
- Address root causes, reduce symptoms, and regain control.
- Improved Self-Esteem and Confidence:
- Empower exploration and challenge negative beliefs, fostering self-worth.
- Increased Emotional Resilience:
- Equip with coping mechanisms and emotional regulation skills, fostering resilience.
Who Can Benefit From EMDR
Research supports EMDR’s efficacy in helping individuals facing a variety of challenges:
- Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
- Chronic Illness and Medical Issues
- Depression and Bipolar Disorders
- Dissociative Disorders
- Eating Disorders
- Grief and Loss
- Pain
- Performance Anxiety
- Personality Disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other trauma and stress-related issues
- Sexual assault
- Sleep disturbance
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Violence and abuse
“For real change to take place, the body needs to learn that the danger has passed and to live in the reality of the present.” – Bessel Van Der Kolk
The Latest Research on EMDR
Recent studies highlight key findings supporting EMDR’s effectiveness:
- Significant reductions in chronic PTSD symptoms with long-term benefits.
- Facilitation of distressing memory reprocessing and emotional charge reduction.
- Effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of anxiety, depression, and phobias.
- Enhancement of emotional regulation, improved self-esteem, and overall psychological well-being.
- Neuroscientific studies indicating changes in brain activity associated with trauma processing and emotional regulation.
Consider EMDR for Your Well-Being
If you resonate with the potential benefits of EMDR and would like to start EMDR therapy you can click the link below to BOOK NOW: thesolaceflow.janeapp.com/
Shailyn Waites, RSW, MSW
The Solace Flow
References:
- EMDRIA (2023)
- Kuester, A., Niemeyer, H., & Knaevelsrud, C. (2016). EMDR-based group therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and comorbid depression: A randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 7, 29490.
- Moreno-Alcázar, A., et al. (2017). Efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in children and adolescent with post-traumatic stress disorder: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 1750.
- Lee, C. W., & Cuijpers, P. (2013). A meta-analysis of the contribution of eye movements in processing emotional memories. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 44(2), 231-239.
- Van Schie, K., et al. (2017). EMDR therapy for depression and anxiety: A meta-analysis. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 11(4), 166-178.
- Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: An Overview of its Development and Mechanisms of Action. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 12(3), 118-131.