Memories can be quite powerful and may impact our lives in many ways. Positive memories can relax us and bring joy. Negative memories can lead to anxiety and depression. These emotions, whether they are good or bad, generally fade. What happens if negative emotions persist? What do you do if the negative emotions associated with a painful memory continue to get worse and negatively impact our lives? A treatment called Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) has shown remarkable results in treating those suffering from painful memories and/or trauma. If you would like to find out more about EMDR Therapy in Boca Raton FL, call Morgan Counseling today. 561-717-2900
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialized type of psychotherapy that reduces negative emotions associated with traumatic memories. This groundbreaking technique was first discovered in the 1980s and is used by EMDR therapists around the globe.
Although EMDR Therapy‘s effectiveness is not fully understood, the principle behind its application is. The Adaptive Information Processing Model (or AIP) explains that when experiences are not properly processed, they can become frozen in time, leading to maladaptive reactions. When memories are processed and adaptive emotions added to the neural networks, positive change occurs. After observing individuals in different states of mental health, the AIP model was created. It is combined with bilateral stimulation to replace negative beliefs and feelings with positive ones.
How does EMDR work?
Although the brain was designed to deal with adversity, some experiences can hinder it from doing so. Certain experiences can act as a thorn in the side of the brain, and cause psychological symptoms.
An EMDR therapist “desensitizes” the brain by accessing its left and right sides to efficiently process a memory. EMDR Therapists accomplish this by using tapping, vibrations, and motions or sounds that alternate bilaterally.
This is similar to REM sleep and is also known as the “eye-movement process”. EMDR therapists will guide you through the process and ask questions.
Who can EMDR benefit?
Many psychologists, therapists, and other mental health professionals now offer EMDR therapy as a non-traditional treatment. This is especially helpful for those who are trying to overcome the devastation caused by ongoing psychological trauma.
This makes EMDR therapy an ideal solution for PTSD therapy, grieving counseling, and abuse. It can also be used to treat symptoms of a variety of mental disorders, eating disorders, and phobias.
The Phases of EMDR Therapy
Trauma can have a negative impact on all aspects of your life. EMDR therapy is designed to replace negative emotions with positive feelings so that you can manage stressful situations without feeling overwhelmed. Typically, when a therapist believes a client is appropriate for EMDR therapy, there are several steps in the process. Those may include:
- The Client’s History and Treatment Plans
- Preparation (Establish trust and fully describe the process).
- Assessment: Establish negative beliefs and find positive alternatives
- Desensitization (the technique for reducing the eye movements or bilateral motion)
- Installation (strengthening the placement of positive replacements).
- Body scan (used to assess your ability to reflect on the experience and to determine if any negative emotions remain).
- Closure (de-stressing to end the session safely)
- Reevaluation (review your progress and start another session if necessary).
If you would like to find out more about EMDR Therapy in Boca Raton FL, call Morgan Counseling today. 561-717-2900
EMDR Therapy in Boca Raton FL
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