EMDR therapy, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a form of therapy that has been used around the world since its development in 1989. Like any form of therapy, it can be an effective tool for individuals who seek help with anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health issues. If you are considering trying EMDR therapy in Orlando, here are some things you should know before making your decision.
In short, EMDR focuses on helping individuals process their traumatic experiences and better understand how those experiences affect their thoughts and feelings. It is based on the idea that when people experience a traumatic event, they can become stuck in negative thought patterns or behaviors as a result. By using eye movements (or other types of bilateral stimulation) while talking about their experience(s), individuals can gradually reprocess the memory until it no longer causes them distress.
During an EMDR session, your therapist will ask questions about your experience and guide you through the process of “unsticking” yourself from these intrusive memories. This may involve discussing triggers that cause distress or identifying areas where more work needs to be done. Your therapist will also use eye movements or tapping to help stimulate both sides of your brain which helps with desensitization and reprocessing of the memory or event. It is important to note that this type of therapy does not require any type of direct contact with the traumatic event itself; rather, it works by helping you process what happened so that it doesn’t have such a strong hold over your life anymore.
The results of your therapy sessions may vary from person to person; however, most people report feeling less anxious after experiencing significant emotional breakthroughs during their sessions. You may also notice an increased ability to think more clearly about difficult situations and have improved relationships with others due to feeling less emotionally overwhelmed by them. Some people find that they are better able to handle stressful situations and make healthier choices as a result of their EMDR sessions.
EMDR therapy has been proven to be an effective method for treating psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD and other trauma-related disorders. If you are looking for a way to manage your symptoms without medication or traditional talk therapies such as psychotherapy, then consider giving EMDR therapy in Orlando a try! With the guidance of a qualified professional you can work through your painful memories and regain control over how they affect your life today. Contact us to discuss your EMDR therapy needs.
Heather Oller is the owner and founder of Orlando Thrive Therapy, Coaching, and Counseling. She is a licensed counselor and a family mediator who has over 23 years of dedicated work as a professional in the mental health field. Through her company's mission, she continues to pave the way for future therapists, and their clients, who want a higher quality of life....and who want to thrive, rather than just survive. You can contact Orlando Thrive Therapy at (407) 592-8997 for more information.