What Should Clients Know Before Starting EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy has been proven to be a successful treatment for various mental health issues, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and addiction. However, before beginning this type of therapy, clients need to understand the process, benefits, and potential side-effects.
If you are considering EMDR therapy in Orlando, FL, it is crucial to know what to expect before your first session. This blog post will provide insight into what clients should know before starting EMDR therapy.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a form of psychotherapy that uses eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help individuals process traumatic experiences and negative emotions.
Typically, this type of therapy involves eight stages of treatment, which include history and assessment, client preparation, identifying the target memory or experience, processing the memory, and evaluating treatment effectiveness.
EMDR therapy helps clients reprocess the trauma in a more adaptive and healthy way, promoting healing and resolution of the negative emotions and beliefs that have developed from the experience.
Who is EMDR therapy suitable for?
EMDR therapy is ideal for individuals who have experienced a traumatic event, including sexual assault, violence, natural disasters, or war. This therapy can also be beneficial for individuals who have experienced emotional abuse, neglect, or other forms of trauma-related experiences.
If you struggle with anxiety, panic attacks, or depression, EMDR therapy may also be helpful. However, it is crucial to speak with a mental health professional to determine the best treatment for your particular needs.
What to expect during EMDR therapy?
During EMDR therapy, you will work with your therapist to identify a target memory or experience, which could be causing negative emotions or behaviors. You will then be asked to recall the memory while focusing on external stimuli such as your therapist's hand movements or sounds.
As you process the memory, your therapist will encourage you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and emotions about it. They will help you link positive cognitions to the experience and develop coping mechanisms to deal with any residual negative effects.
Is EMDR therapy safe?
EMDR therapy is considered safe for the vast majority of clients. However, it can sometimes cause temporary negative side effects during or after treatment, such as dizziness, headache, or fatigue.
Additionally, EMDR therapy may trigger emotional distress or memories that can cause temporary discomfort. In these cases, your therapist will help you develop self-care methods to work through the negative feelings.
Conclusion
EMDR therapy can be a powerful tool in treating trauma, anxiety, and depression. However, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the process and potential side effects before starting therapy.
If you are considering EMDR therapy in Orlando, FL, reach out to Orlando Thrive Therapy today to learn more. Our team of experienced therapists can provide you with the support and guidance you need to succeed.
