Trauma is Everywhere.

A common phrase of today’s world is trauma is everywhere. I’m willing to bet you know someone who has experienced trauma on one level or another. Sadly, what happens in trauma is one can create unhealthy responses in reaction to this initial situation. Thankfully, a qualified therapist can help you overcome your trauma.

The mental health community has seen increased interest in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR’s popularity is due to the scientific research and gaining popularity due to how well it works. EMDR was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. EMDR has become a gold standard of care for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This includes traumas ranging from relationship trauma, sexual trauma, and combat trauma to name a few. Rhythmic eye movements support your brain to change the process the brain stores traumatic memories. In a like manner, this goes further than simply processing emotions and other interventions typically associated in trauma therapy. 

What should I expect during my session? 

Clients wanting to explore EMDR therapy can expect to fill out a comprehensive packet to gather personal history information. An in-depth knowledge helps a therapist to develop an individualized treatment plan. A solid treatment plan determines whether or not EMDR is an appropriate therapeutic intervention. Medical diagnoses, medications, or mental health conditions might merit further evaluation before engaging in EMDR therapy. Your therapist will be open and honest with which approach will best suit you.

Part of establishing a trusting relationship supports the client to process a mildly distressing event from the distant past. Establishing trust in the process, helps to comfort that more significant traumas. Expressing of trauma is only encouraged as clients see fit. Clients are encouraged to express traumas when they feel safe. Clients engage in eye movements that mimic the eye movements experienced during the REM portion of the sleep cycle. This process uses visual targets. Visual targets also may be generated by a light board or simply by brightly colored printed circles. This supports EMDR’s usage via Telehealth.

How long does EMDR take?

EMDR is a process rather than a one-time event. The process allows the therapists and clients to build a trusting relationship takes time. I often remind my clients that I don’t have a magic wand and there are no quick fixes in therapy. EMDR is one type of intervention. Clients who are not comfortable with the EMDR can still benefit from other therapies to deal with trauma. The winning recipe is you wanting to do the work and a trusting therapist.

When working with your therapist, ensure you are open and honest about your trauma. Together, you will create an effective treatment plan with will help you heal the trauma.

EMDR can help you recover from trauma. Reach out to us today or feel free to navigate through our website. 

This week’s blog is presented by Hilary Horrigan, M.A. LPCC. Hilary is a trauma-informed care specialist certified in EMDR through Dr. Chandra S. Nagireddy in Colorado Springs. 

Hilary’s profile can provide more answers to questions you might have. 

For more information about EMDR, please visit https://www.emdria.org/.