How does EMDR therapy help with PTSD?

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September 13
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How do I know if EMDR is working for my PTSD?

5 Answers:

cheesesticks avatar

EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a form of psychotherapy for PTSD patients. People with post traumatic disorders have difficulties making a sense of the trauma that has happened to them in the past. This is where EMDR therapy comes in.

EMDR makes you focus or pay attention to a back-and-forth movement or sound while you try to talk and think about the unsettling memory you have. This is to encourage to relive the past rather than just talk about the clean summary of what has happened. Most patients, after several sessions show noticeable and positive improvements.

This links will help you understand more about EDMR:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNdMHuwvF_M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IPsBPH2M1U

And this video will help you decide if EDMR is for you:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChP1Gidj2BY

cheesesticks avatar

EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a form of psychotherapy for PTSD patients. People with post traumatic disorders have difficulties making a sense of the trauma that has happened to them in the past. This is where EMDR therapy comes in.

EMDR makes you focus or pay attention to a back-and-forth movement or sound while you try to talk and think about the unsettling memory you have. This is to encourage to relive the past rather than just talk about the clean summary of what has happened. Most patients, after several sessions show noticeable and positive improvements.

This links will help you understand more about EDMR:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNdMHuwvF_M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IPsBPH2M1U

And this video will help you decide if EDMR is for you:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChP1Gidj2BY

Allyonin avatar

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences.  Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference. It is widely assumed that severe emotional pain requires a long time to heal.  EMDR therapy shows that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma.

These are the results to expect after EMDR, if EMDR is working, a person should feel relieved after just a couple of sessions. The traumatic memory will start to be desensitized and will at the very least be less emotionally distressing. However, EMDR opens up the memory networks in the brain and many clients may notice new memories, additional details, or dreams after the first session. This is normal and is the brain’s way of continuing to process the material. The therapist will make sure the client has coping skills and resources to help them deal with anything that comes up after each session, especially the first one.

Once EMDR therapy is finished, most people can expect to feel a great deal of relief. Even though the traumatic memory may still come up, it won’t have as much emotional charge. A person may feel more of a sense of calm and acceptance when thinking about the event. Moments of overwhelm, or feeling like the event is happening again, are very rare, if not non-existent at this point. 

Lifeisgood avatar

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of therapy that is used to treat symptoms of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). It is based on the idea that traumatic memories can become "stuck" in the brain, causing ongoing distress and negative emotions.

The therapy uses a specific pattern of bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or sound, to help the brain process and integrate traumatic memories. The bilateral stimulation is thought to help activate the brain's natural information processing system, allowing the person to process and integrate the traumatic experience in a healthier way.

The goal of EMDR therapy is to reduce the distress associated with traumatic memories and to help the person integrate the experience into their life story in a way that no longer causes distress. Research has shown that EMDR can be an effective treatment for PTSD, with many people experiencing significant improvement after just a few sessions.

It's important to note that EMDR should only be conducted by a trained and qualified EMDR therapist. If you are struggling with symptoms of PTSD, it's best to consult with a mental health professional to determine if EMDR therapy is a good fit for you.

 

It's common to feel some level of skepticism or uncertainty when starting a new form of therapy, especially if you have been struggling with PTSD for a long time. Here are some signs that EMDR therapy may be working for you:

Decreased distress: You may notice that your symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety, are becoming less intense and less frequent.

Improved sleep: Trauma-related nightmares and insomnia can be reduced with EMDR therapy.

Increased insight: You may gain a better understanding of the traumatic experience and how it has impacted your life, leading to a greater sense of clarity and control.

Greater resilience: As you work through your traumatic memories and gain a better understanding of your experience, you may feel a greater sense of resilience and strength.

Better relationships: By processing your traumatic memories and reducing the distress they cause, you may find that your relationships with others improve.

It's important to remember that everyone's experience with EMDR therapy is unique, and it may take time to see significant improvement. If you have concerns or questions about the effectiveness of your therapy, it's best to discuss them with your therapist.

DivyangDhyani avatar

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of therapy that is often used to treat PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Here are some signs that EMDR may be working for you:

  • Reduced intensity of traumatic memories: One of the main goals of EMDR is to reduce the intensity of traumatic memories. If you notice that your traumatic memories are becoming less distressing over time, this could be a sign that EMDR is working.
  • Improved mood: As EMDR helps you process and cope with traumatic memories, you may notice an improvement in your overall mood and emotional well-being.
  • Decreased symptoms of PTSD: EMDR can be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance. If you notice a decrease in these symptoms, this could be a sign that EMDR is working.
  • Increased sense of control: EMDR can help you feel more in control of your thoughts and emotions, which can be empowering for people with PTSD.

It's important to note that everyone's experience with EMDR is different, and it may take time to see significant results. It's also normal to experience some discomfort or emotional intensity during the therapy process, but your therapist should help you manage this and provide support throughout the process.

If you have concerns or questions about your progress with EMDR, don't hesitate to discuss them with your therapist. They can provide feedback and help you adjust your treatment plan as needed.

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