Traumatic events, such as physical attacks, car accidents, or the stress of warfare, can leave a lasting impact on people, leading to unhappiness, persistent stress, fear, and a feeling of low self-worth. However, a relatively little-known therapy called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can help those affected regain energy and fulfillment in their lives.
The fact is that most people don’t realize they have been traumatized. We tend to think that certain occurrences, such as people arguing, violence on TV and in movies, or time spent in military battle or law enforcement, are all “normal”. While these things may seem normal or at least common, their effects can be debilitating.
Symptoms of trauma show up in various ways, including personality changes, aggressive or avoidant behaviors, withdrawal, fearful reactions, re-experiencing traumas, memory and concentration issues, sleep disorders, and nervous habits. To combat this, EMDR therapy was developed more than 20 years ago by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., and is among the most peer-reviewed and researched therapies available. It has been validated in over two dozen randomized studies of trauma victims.
What makes EMDR unique is that it uses eye movement to trigger a natural stress release process in the brain. This process can lead to rapid and long-lasting changes, even when other types of treatment have failed. EMDR is a highly praised therapeutic method for those who have been impacted by trauma.
Contrary to popular belief, time does not always heal all wounds. In fact, it can reinforce old traumas while creating new ones. With EMDR, people unleash their brain’s natural healing powers, leading to rapid and recognizable changes that don’t fade over time. Unresolved past stress and negative feelings can be addressed, allowing those affected to better manage emotional issues and unconscious reactions to current and future events.
EMDR can be particularly helpful for those who have experienced truly horrific events, as it can help clear the emotional components attached to them. During EMDR therapy, patients remember the event but not the associated feelings, such as fear or turmoil. By releasing the emotional connection to the traumatizing event, the memory ceases to trigger new negative emotions and beliefs in the present.
EMDR is constructed in eight phases that focus on a three-part protocol. The first part involves recalling past memories in a non-emotional manner. The second part connects these memories to current issues or disturbances that might be triggered by past events. Finally, future actions are addressed. The therapy is conducted with a series of horizontally moving lights that patients follow with their eyes while keeping their heads still. They then recall the event, rate it, and repeat the eye movements. The process is simple to execute, and the results can be astounding.
If you have experienced trauma, physically or emotionally, you may want to consider giving EMDR a try. Resources are available through books, websites, and practitioner consultations. The treatment is well-researched, proven effective, and non-invasive, making it worth exploring for those in need of healing from their past traumas.
