What is EMDR therapy and why do some find it helpful to treat trauma? | Black Therapist NJ

Finding the right way to treat anxiety, depression or trauma can be very difficult. But there are ways to get around that, and one of the best options is definitely EMDR therapy. Also known as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, this psychotherapy method is great for dealing with trauma. It was created in 1987 by Francine Shapiro so it could treat the post-traumatic stress disorder. Ever since it was discovered, this psychotherapy method has helped thousands of people, and it does convey incredible results.

What can you expect?

The thing to note about the EMDR therapy is that it can last for up to 90 minutes, and during that, the therapist will move their fingers back and forth right in front of your face. You need to follow the motions using your eyes. During that time, the therapist will encourage you to recall the disturbing, traumatic event. As the event unfolds, the therapist guides you and he will shift that traumatic memory to something more pleasant.

Of course, there are therapists that go with alternative ideas like toe tapping, hand tapping and even musical tones in some cases. The thing to note about EMDR therapy is that it can help weaken all those negative emotions. Letting go of traumatic or disturbing memories can be challenging, but it’s also a great way to eliminate concerns and truly focus on the best possible benefits and results.

Is EMDR therapy effective against trauma?

It’s said that more than 20000 practitioners know how to use the EMDR therapy and they used it successfully for many patients all over the world. The great thing about this therapy method is that it’s safe and it doesn’t have side effects. Some still debate its effectiveness. Generally, studies involving the EMDR therapy only focus on a small number of participants. That makes some believe that it might not work on the larger scale.

What phases are involved in the EMDR therapy process?

First, there’s the treatment planning and preparing. Then there’s the assessment, which activates the memory targeted during the session. After that, the practitioner focuses on desensitization. The next phase involves the installation of positive ideas and a better mindset. Once that is done, we have the body scan phase, closure and re-evaluation.

Who is EMDR therapy for?

EMDR therapy is great for anyone that has PTSD or which suffered from any kind of trauma. Additionally, if you haven severe depression or anxiety, EMDR therapy might also be the answer. The fact that it has no side effects is what recommends it as a foolproof solution, and it works incredibly well.

As you can see, giving a EMDR therapy try is a great way to deal with trauma and replace it with more positive memories. While it does involve multiple sessions, EMDR therapy can be very efficient and it has the potential to bring in front amazing benefits. All you have to do is to check it out for yourself, and the results can be second to none!