Read This Article Before Pursuing EMDR Therapy Sessions
November 25, 2022
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) is used to help people who have experienced trauma. It is a very effective treatment for PTSD and C-PTSD. Over 100,000 medical professionals worldwide use EMDR therapy, and millions of people have been treated successfully.
People with PTSD or previous trauma need to know what EMDR therapy involves before they start the treatment. Read on to learn more about this well-established practice.
A More Comfortable Way of Dealing with Past Trauma
EMDR therapy doesn't have to be difficult or uncomfortable. Your therapist will help you through it at a pace that works for you. It is unique because it does not require clients to relive their trauma for extended periods. As a result, many patients are surprised at how easy EMDR therapy can be as long as they work within the guidelines of their therapist.
EMDR therapy differs from other therapies because it does not require clients to relive their trauma for extended periods. The trauma is only briefly intense with these sessions and then quickly decreases. If the trauma does not dissipate, the clinician can help it dissipate. The client has also been trained in techniques to relieve the distress immediately.
Patients will be asked to revisit their trauma multiple times during treatment. However, this does not always mean they will have to discuss it. Many people find this appealing when looking at therapy options.
EMDR therapy can be emotionally and mentally stressful for patients, triggering negative responses, especially in the early stages of treatment. The intense mental focus during therapy can cause patients to feel faint or have lucid dreams after a session has ended. These side effects may be challenging, but they are typically more favourable than those caused by medicinal treatment. EMDR therapy usually results in a better outcome with longer-lasting relief.
Known Side Effects
- Affected sleep and dreams: It's not unusual for people to have trouble sleeping after an EMDR session. You may have vivid dreams or feel more sensitive to things around you.
- Temporary spike of emotional distress: Some people may feel worse before they feel better when undergoing exposure therapy. This is because they may be forced to confront their fears head-on.
However, their therapist will provide them with the tools patients need to cope with any distress that may arise. It is also possible that memories of past trauma may come to the surface during exposure therapy. But with the help of their therapist, people will be able to work through these memories and eventually overcome their fears.
As treatment progresses, symptoms will gradually start to improve and go away. Individuals must update their therapist on their experiences and progress between sessions so that future sessions can focus on new memories and symptoms.
In Closing
EMDR is not a "magic" cure, but it has proven itself as a scientific solution that can help people relieve their symptoms. If you are struggling with PTSD or complex trauma, working with a qualified EMDR therapist can be life-changing.
Renew Your Mind and Body at Mindsum
Mindsum believes in providing affordable mental therapies for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other concerns through EMDR therapy. Book now; your initial consultation with our therapists is free!