Discovering EMDR Therapy
In the journey of mental health recovery, finding the right therapy can be crucial. One such effective method is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Originally developed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories, EMDR has gained recognition for its profound impact on trauma, anxiety, and other mental health issues. But what exactly is EMDR therapy, and how can it benefit those seeking relief from their psychological burdens?
Understanding EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy is a structured approach that encourages the person to briefly focus on a traumatic memory while doing a bilateral neural stimulation, typically side to side eye movements, to help reduce the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories. This method was discovered by Francine Shapiro in 1987 and has since been extensively researched and validated.
The Mechanism Behind EMDR
Leena Mehta, a BC licensed therapist and EMDR specialist at Tapestry Counselling Centre, explains, “EMDR works on the premise that trauma and other negative life experiences can overwhelm the brain’s natural ability to process information. When a distressing event occurs, it can get stuck in the nervous system with the original picture, sounds, thoughts and feelings. EMDR helps the brain process these trapped memories, allowing normal healing to resume.”
During an EMDR session, the therapist will guide a person through sets of eye movements while they recall a distressing event. This process helps to desensitize the client to the traumatic memory, reducing its emotional charge. Over time, this can lead to the memories of the event no longer feeling disturbing or emotionally activating, creating a sense of closure and healing.
Benefits of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy has been recognized for its effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but its applications extend beyond trauma. Research has shown that EMDR can also be beneficial for anxiety, depression, phobias and even chronic pain.
“Many of our clients come to us feeling stuck,” says Leena, “EMDR helps them to move past their trauma. It’s not just about coping with the symptoms; it’s about resolving the underlying issues that are causing distress. Many of my clients feel a sense of relief and peace that they never thought was possible.
“EMDR can also help with chronic pain due to a past injuries, for example. Many people have reported significant improvement after undergoing EMDR therapy. The pain doesn’t just lessen, it can become more manageable as the emotional response to the pain changes”, continues Leena.
Why Consider EMDR Therapy?
At Tapestry, we take a holistic approach to therapy, recognizing that each person's journey is unique. EMDR therapy is just one of the many tools in our therapeutic toolkit. We tailor our approach to address the individual needs of each client, ensuring comprehensive care that considers a person’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
If you’re struggling with unresolved trauma, anxiety, or other mental health issues, EMDR therapy could be a valuable tool in your healing journey. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to discuss your distressing memories in detail. This can be particularly beneficial for those who find it difficult to talk about their experiences.
Moreover, EMDR therapy is typically shorter in duration than other therapeutic approaches. Many clients report improvements in just a few sessions, and significant improvements in a few more, making it a time-efficient option for those seeking relief from their symptoms.
Taking the Next Step
If you’re interested in learning more about EMDR therapy or would like to book an introductory session, we invite you to contact us. Let us guide you through this healing process, providing a safe and supportive environment for your recovery.
