Any kind of therapy can be daunting to consider. Many therapy types involve opening up to an unfamiliar person and trusting them with things that are troubling you. It can be a stressful concept. The same rules apply to eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). This form of psychotherapy involves exploring traumatic memories and emotions with a therapist. However, this therapy type uses stimulation through eye movements to help patients cope with their trauma. Its untraditional nature has gained popularity with therapists and patients alike. If you’re curious about EMDR but aren’t sure if it’s right for you, here are some of the many possible reasons why it might be:
It’s a PTSD Treatment Option
Many therapists offer EMDR therapy for patients experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This disorder can develop in people after a traumatic or scary event. For many, it can result in uncomfortable symptoms like agitation, hostility, anxiety, and insomnia.
Many people struggle to manage PTSD, but EMDR therapy might prove helpful. In fact, studies have found that EMDR therapy reduced PTSD and other trauma-related symptoms and was more effective than other trauma treatments.
It Can Improve Communication
Many people with diagnosed or undiagnosed PTSD don’t share their experiences with others and keep their trauma to themselves. Often, they fear judgment or being a burden to those around them.
EMDR therapy seeks to change that viewpoint. By working with a therapist, patients can communicate their experiences in a safe space and start their healing journey. They may even feel more comfortable talking about their trauma with others after receiving EMDR therapy. So far, over seven million people have received successful EMDR therapy from 110,000 therapists.
You Can Reshape Your Trauma
Thinking about past traumatic events can cause people with PTSD to experience uncomfortable and uncontrollable feelings. It can sometimes feel like there’s no way to move past them. EMDR therapy provides that possibility.
This therapy type helps patients build connections between their body and mind. As you break down your traumatic events in a safe space, you can learn a new way to look at them. Having a different view of your trauma may reduce symptoms when faced with familiar triggers.
You Can React Less
People with PTSD can find themselves reacting to everyday events, sounds, smells, and sights that remind them of the trauma they’ve experienced. Traumatic experiences can trigger our survival instincts and cause reactions that overpower our ability to respond rationally.
EMDR therapy might be able to help with those reactions. This therapy type involves desensitization, providing perspective, and creating rationale around triggers that might otherwise cause trauma responses.
It Involves Less Work
Many people don’t seek help for their mental health because they worry about how much work they’ll have to put in outside of their therapist’s office. While activities like journaling can be helpful, not everyone wants to think about their PTSD outside the comfort of their therapist’s office. EMDR therapy rarely requires extra work. While you’re encouraged to write down your thoughts or ideas, most of the work occurs with your therapist.
EMDR therapy is one of many therapy options for individuals experiencing mental health conditions like PTSD. Explore this therapy type with a trained provider, and you might enjoy some of the benefits above.