Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of therapy that uses precise eye movements to help individuals process traumatic experiences and manage any post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. EMDR ultimately “desensitizes” patients to the traumatic memory and helps them cope with it in a healthier way.
Although EMDR is a relatively new form of therapy, it has demonstrated positive results and may be worth considering if you are struggling with emotional trauma.
How does Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing work?
When people experience a traumatic event, their emotions and memories can become overwhelming, and feel like they are constantly on a loop. Taking this into consideration, EMDR is based on the idea that as we process information, our brain moves through three phases: activation, assessment, and stabilization.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy works by helping patients reprocess and integrate traumatic memories into their overall memory system. In the therapy session, the memories are activated and brought into conscious awareness. As they are being processed, it reduces the emotional intensity of such memories and makes it easier to remember them.
What can EDMR treatments help with?
For many people, emotional trauma is a debilitating condition that can lead to a lifetime of suffering. Thanks to EMDR, however, many patients have found the therapy session effective in treating various conditions. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is among the most common conditions treated with EMDR.
Most EMDR treatments can also help with:
- Panic attacks
- Depression and/or anxiety
- Addictions
- Phobias
- Eating Disorders
Interested in trying EDMR and where to seek treatment?
At North Jersey Health & Wellness, we offer EMDR to help treat a range of traumatic experiences. During treatment, one of our EMDR therapists will guide you through a series of bilateral eye movements as you process memories and feelings related to the traumatic event.
Over a series of treatment sessions, the reactions related to the traumatic memories should lessen. If you’re interested in our EMDR options or want to learn more, contact our office and someone from our team will schedule a consultation.