When something difficult happens, most of us expect that, with time, we will be able to move forward. But sometimes a painful or frightening experience continues to affect us long after the event itself is over. You may find yourself experiencing anxiety, upsetting memories, strong emotional reactions, or feeling “stuck” when something reminds you of what happened. EMDR therapy may be able to help.
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a structured form of therapy that helps people process distressing experiences and memories. Rather than simply talking about an experience over and over, EMDR uses specific techniques—including bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements—to help the brain process memories in a different way.
What Can EMDR Help With?
EMDR is best known for helping people who have experienced trauma, including PTSD, but it may also be helpful for a range of other concerns, including:
- Traumatic or distressing experiencesAnxiety and persistent worryPanic and fearIntrusive or upsetting memoriesGrief and difficult life experiencesRelationship or interpersonal traumaChildhood experiences that continue to affect youPhobias and specific fearsFeelings of shame, guilt, or low self-worth connected to past experiences
You don’t have to have experienced one major traumatic event to benefit from EMDR. Sometimes a series of smaller or repeated experiences can have a lasting impact on how we see ourselves, relationships, or the world around us.
What Does EMDR Feel Like?
EMDR doesn’t require you to relive an experience in exactly the same way it originally happened. Your therapist will guide you through the process at a pace that feels manageable and will help you develop strategies for staying grounded and feeling safe.You also don’t need to know exactly what you need to work on before beginning therapy. Your therapist can help you identify the experiences, thoughts, emotions, or patterns that may be contributing to your current struggles and determine whether EMDR is an appropriate approach.
Could EMDR Be Right for You?
Everyone responds to therapy differently, and EMDR isn’t the right approach for everyone. An initial assessment can help determine whether it may be helpful for your particular concerns. Your therapist may also combine EMDR with other approaches depending on your needs and goals.If you feel like something from your past is continuing to affect your present, you don’t have to work through it alone. EMDR can be one option for helping you process difficult experiences, reduce distress, and move forward.
Grow Well Counselling now offers EMDR therapy both online and in person with Mark Ramsay. Contact us to learn more or book an appointment.