Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) is a powerful therapy to help clients unlock and heal from trauma and stress. Let’s delve into the world of EMDR, exploring its benefits, the science behind it, the stages of treatment, and how our therapists at Theravada Mental Health in Las Vegas can help you on your healing emotional journey. This is accomplished, in part, by building a healthy and trusting therapeutic relationship with your therapist.
One of our therapists, Katie Davis, LCSW, who is EMDR certified and trained says, “I chose to get trained in and practice EMDR because I truly believe it takes more than just talking about the traumatic events we have experienced to decrease negative symptoms.
Trauma is experienced in a different brain, which is difficult to access with traditional therapy. I wanted to help my clients recover from their symptoms of depression and anxiety faster than traditional traditional therapy. EMDR is a well-researched and evidenced-based therapeutic method to process through traumatic experiences by connecting the mind and body and decreasing symptoms by healing the brain and letting go of the stored trauma in our bodies.
It gives me immense satisfaction to be able to help others get through whatever troubles, curiosities, quandaries, or struggles they may be having in life. I have several years of experience helping people with a wide variety of needs, through each gaining valuable insight and feeling compassion for the individuals, families, and couples who trust in the process of therapy and me as their confidant and guide.”
A former client at Theravada Mental Health provided this statement after experiencing treatment, “I battled with my PTSD for almost four years before I was introduced to EMDR by my therapist Jessica. I had no idea how much this therapy would impact my life and my future. Before starting EMDR therapy, I struggled with basic daily tasks, like going to the grocery store or driving my car, due to my PTSD triggers.
After a handful of sessions with my therapist, I was already seeing a difference in my life and how I was living. Major triggers are now minimal triggers that are manageable to work through. EMDR has helped me feel strong and capable of managing my own triggers when they arise. Before being introduced to EMDR Therapy, I wasn’t sure if anything would help me work through my trauma, but EMDR has exceeded my expectations. EMDR therapy has changed my life and the way I live it!”
EMDR is an evidence based approach to help individuals process and reprocess traumatic memories. EMDR focuses on the reprocessing of traumatic memories, providing faster results than traditional talk therapy.
EMDR is an evidence based psychotherapy approach that has proven effective in treating post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma related issues. Developed in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro, EMDR has since become a powerful tool for facilitating recovery from the emotional distress caused by traumatic experiences. Its unique approach helps individuals in Las Vegas process and reprocess traumatic memories through a series of lateral eye movements guided by one of our therapists.
One of the key elements of EMDR is bilateral stimulation, which involves lateral eye movements, bilateral sound via headphones, and alternate tactile stimulation through a handheld device. This method helps establish a connection between the mind and body, reducing psychological stress and facilitating the healing of the brain and the release of stored trauma in the body.
The science behind EMDR: EMDR is based on the adaptive information processing model, which aids the brain in reprocessing traumatic memories and reducing distressing symptoms. The therapy is theorized to replicate the rapid eye movements of REM sleep, which may enable the brain to process traumatic memories more constructively. As a result, EMDR has been shown to be highly effective in:
- Diminishing symptoms of trauma, anxiety, depression, and other psychological health issues.
- Enhancing self esteem.
- Reducing stress.
- Improving overall well being.
This innovative therapy/counseling allows individuals to:
- Develop self awareness and understanding of their traumatic event.
- Focus on processing traumatic memories to improve quality of life.
- Heal and move beyond the trauma.
- Experience a significant reduction in post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and other stress related symptoms.
EMDR differs from traditional talk therapy/counseling. Unlike traditional talk therapy or traditional psychotherapy and counseling, which focuses on understanding trauma, movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) emphasizes the reprocessing of trauma in a more beneficial manner. This approach targets and processes disturbing memories of traumatic events, allowing for a more efficient way to heal.
When seeking an EMDR therapist to begin sessions with, it’s crucial for a client to look for credentials such as EMDRIA certification and specialized training in trauma focused treatment. EMDRIA certification guarantees the therapist has undergone the required training and possesses the expertise to deliver high quality EMDR treatment.
At Theravada Mental Health in Las Vegas, we have therapists who possess the knowledge, skills, and EMDRIA certification to address the unique needs of individuals who have experienced trauma, ensuring they can provide the most effective support and trauma treatment.
Overcoming trauma and Post-traumatic stress disorder: EMDR treatment, also known as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, has helped many individuals overcome traumatic experiences and improve their mental health. By using eye movements, an EMDR therapist helps reduce sensitivity to traumatic experiences and feelings, allowing individuals to move beyond the trauma and gain a sense of control over their emotions.
EMDR treatment has been shown to provide significant reduction of symptoms of PTSD, depression, panic attacks, and anxiety, as well as faster results compared to other forms of counseling. Additionally, it can help individuals who experience panic attacks related to their trauma, therefore helping them heal and improving their quality of life.
Case studies: success stories of EMDR in Las Vegas: Local case studies demonstrate the success of EMDR therapy in trauma treatment PTSD, anxiety, and other trauma related disorders in Las Vegas. For example, a client who is a survivor of rape, was able to heal from her traumatic experience through EMDR therapy.
Several clients have attested to the efficacy of EMDR as a treatment for post traumatic stress (PTSD) and traumatic symptoms. These success stories highlight the transformative impact of EMDR therapy/counseling in helping a client to overcome their distressing life experiences and relationships and reclaim their lives.
The EMDR process – eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: The EMDR therapy process involves addressing both cognitive and somatic components of trauma. It assists individuals in processing and releasing distressing recollections.
It guides the patient’s focus on the memory while simultaneously moving their fingers back and forth in front of the patient’s face. The process can last up to 90 minutes.
1: History and Treatment Planning
The EMDR therapist and the patient discuss medical history and work together to pinpoint any relevant traumatic events that may be targeted.
Phase 2: Preparation
The therapist ensures that the client has several different ways of handling emotional distress.
Phase 3: Assessment
You and your therapist will work together to identify the target memory that triggers emotional distress.
Phase 4: Desensitization
In this phase, the disturbing event is evaluated rationally. Your therapist will try to help you change the way your brain associates trauma with its trigger.
Phase 5: Installation
Here, your therapist will work with you to “install” a positive belief deeply into your thought process, meaning they will help you strengthen the positive belief so that it replaces the negative one.
Phase 6: Body Scan
After the installation phase, you will be asked to bring back the traumatic event to reevaluate it to see whether there is any residual trauma.
Phase 7: Closure
Your therapist will emphasize stress reduction techniques and ask you to maintain a record of disturbances between sessions and coach you on managing them.
Phase 8: Re-evaluation
Your therapist will evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and the need for further sessions and then plan a follow-up session if needed.
Addressing body sensations realated to past trauma: EMDR also addresses body sensations related to experienced trauma, helping individuals reconnect with their bodies and reduce physical symptoms. Common body sensations associated with dealing with trauma from out past include:
- Persistent fatigue.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Nightmares.
- Fear of recurrence.
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Headaches.
- Jumpiness.
- Chronic pain.
- Dissociation.
- Vivid flashbacks.
- Troubling memory.
- Intrusive thoughts or images.
- Intense distress.
- Other medical issues.
- Some brain functioning.
- Poor memory.
- Emotional dysregulation.
- Other problems.
By aiding individuals to reprocess and comprehend their experiences, an EMDR therapist can assist them in re-establishing a connection with their bodies and reducing these physical symptoms which can in turn increase rem sleep.
Coping strategies ad support resources: At Theravada Mental Health in Las Vegas, we offer various coping strategies and support resources for individuals undergoing EMDR, including relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy. These powerful tools can help individuals manage psychological stress and improve their overall well being as they navigate their healing journey.
Summary
EMDR treatment is a powerful and transformative approach to healing from trauma and stress related disorders. By addressing both cognitive and physical aspects of trauma, EMDR therapy helps individuals process and release distressing recollections, reconnect with their bodies, and improve their mental health. With the support of local resources, coping strategies, and one of our dedicated therapists and the therapeutic relationship, a client can unlock their potential for healing and lead a more fulfilling life in Las Vegas.
Frequently asked questions
What is EMDR therapy and how does it work?
EMDR is a structured therapy that utilizes bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements) while focusing on traumatic experiences. This technique is intended to change how the memory of the disturbing event is stored in the brain, reducing or eliminating the problematic symptoms resulting from the trauma including memory surrounding the trauma.
How does EMDR differ from traditional traditional therapy?
EMDR therapy/counseling focuses on reprocessing trauma, targeting and processing disturbing memories of trauma, while traditional therapy/counseling focuses on understanding trauma in a more abstract way.
The relationship you build with your therapist/counselor has to be exceptionally trusting in order for you to feel comfortable and trust in this process.
What credentials should I look for in an EMDR therapist?
When searching for an EMDR therapist in Las Vegas, ensure they have are trained in EMDR and have both EMDRIA certification and specialized training in trauma focused therapy to ensure you receive the highest quality care in your sessions.