BEYOND TRAUMA- HOW CAN EMDR BENEFIT ME?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprogramming and is a therapeutic technique that was created by Francine Shapiro in the 1980’s. Many decades of research and practice later, EMDR is gaining popularity around the world as a treatment for trauma.

It recently made world headlines because of its use by a famous royal, click here to read.

WHAT IS EMDR?

EMDR is used in conjunction with other therapeutic techniques, over multiple sessions.

EMDR works on the understanding that when a person experiences a distressing event, it is processed and the memories and associations are stored in channels in the memory networks in the brain. If processed in an adaptive way a person has been able to cognitively make sense of the experience and release emotions and bodily sensations safely. 

When adaptive processing has not occurred or has been blocked, a person may experience distressing memories and associations that impact their capacity to function as they wish to, thereby causing trauma. When a person experiences trauma they may become triggered and taken back to the traumatic event by stimuli around them including places, noises, smells, sights, tastes, images etc.

HOW IS EMDR USED TO TREAT TRAUMA?

EMDR is a technique that is used within the context of therapy and is done alongside other therapies.
The process involves being aware of the trauma, without becoming involved in it or reliving it. You are asked to be aware of the trauma imprint that currently affects you, you can think of it like opening up an old photo album, the image is there but you are not able to step back into that moment and you can shut the page at any time.

You are guided through a sequence that enables you to process the trauma and desensitise emotional responses and triggers. You are asked to follow sets of eye or hand movements as you process the negative beliefs, body sensations and triggers.

You do NOT have to talk about it. You do NOT have to relive it. 

There may be a brief period of discomfort as you become aware of it and that is exactly why you have chosen to seek trauma care, to be able to manage better and with less discomfort when you do become aware of the memory.

You are fully supported throughout the whole process and prior to the EMDR technique, time is taken to establish safety. The therapist is guided by you and will respond to your requests to take a break or discuss anything that has come up to ensure you are in control of the process at all times.

After EMDR treatment people often experience a new sense of the world as they are no longer triggered by things around them and can enjoy moments more fully. You may be surprised at the positive effect EMDR can have, I certainly was.

WHAT ELSE CAN EMDR BE USED FOR?

Phobias and fears
Stop Smoking
Pain and somatic illness
Addiction
Eating Disorders
Traumatic Bereavement
Panic and Anxiety 

EMDR can be an effective tool for overcoming or managing long standing struggles that people have been negatively impacted by. 

Imagine you have spent your whole life afraid of spiders and your nervous system gets activated every time you even think of a spider, let alone see one. Rationally you can see that a spider is very small and you are very big meaning that you are able to get away from it unharmed, however you are triggered into a flight, fight or freeze response every time you see one. 

No amount of positive thinking or rationalising makes any difference, you experience strong physical sensations every time you see a spider and your mind races trying to figure out how to stay safe. This response over time has an impact on both your nervous system and also the way you feel and think about yourself.

EMDR sessions can assist a person to process their fears phobias and overcome the triggers and negative beliefs. Once fully processed a person is able to life free of the phobia and can integrate new positive beliefs. Imagine the sense of relief a person would feel being able to walk into their house not worrying about spiders anymore and being able to calmly deal with it if they come across one, after years of being afraid. It can be a very freeing experience and contributes positively to the overall wellbeing of the person.


HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?

This is very individual and I am reluctant to put a timeframe on the process because we all process things differently. Many people find relief in three sessions or less if the presentation is not complex. For more complex presentations, more sessions will be needed to ensure it is fully processed.

One of the main appeals of EMDR is the rapid effectiveness of the technique, with many people finding relief in a short period of time. The aim of EMDR is to provide relief quickly and effectively so people do not have to spend a long time seeking therapeutic support.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

I offer EMDR as part of my Glow Beyond- Foundation Program where I combine it with Breath, Energy and Body work as well as Hypnotherapy. 

To find out more information or to discuss how EMDR can benefit you, 
please click here to send me a message. 

I also offer a free 15 minute phone consult to discuss your specific individual needs, 
please email salcreativetherapy@gmail.com or click here to schedule your call.

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