EMDR: A Pathway to Healing for PTSD and Anxiety

 

By Karen Baluch, LPCC-S, LICDC, LMHC,

Certified EMDR Practitioner
Founder and CEO of Baker Family Counseling, LLC

 

This article aims to provide a concise overview of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a trauma treatment method, and its outcomes.

This summary serves as an informative resource for individuals struggling with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and anxiety. It does not cover all available treatment options but rather offers a guide for those considering EMDR.

 

Trauma is the underlying cause of PTSD and numerous anxiety disorders. Anxiety can have various origins, including early childhood experiences, external factors beyond a client’s control, inadequate support systems, or the inability to cope with life stressors.

 

Life stressors and traumas can encompass a wide range of experiences, such as domestic violence, war, poverty, death, sexual abuse, and homelessness. These experiences often overlap, creating complex scenarios that leave individuals grappling with how to manage mental health illnesses effectively.

 

Generally, the symptoms of PTSD include nightmares, fear-based thinking, hyper-vigilance, startle reactions, night terrors, triggers, avoidance of triggers, flashbacks, and the development of anxiety-related symptoms like anxiety attacks or avoidance of people, places, or events, leading to isolating behaviors. This list is not intended as a diagnostic tool or a comprehensive list of all overlapping symptoms but rather as a flexible guide to help understand the symptoms and their potential consequences.

 

Trauma is a complex concept that varies from person to person. For instance, unintentional trauma, such as neglect, can cause significant distress and lead to anxiety-based behaviors as a coping mechanism. Many of these unintentional traumas occur daily, although not all result in PTSD.

 

On the other hand, intentional trauma often involves violence, verbal, or physical abuse, which is intentionally inflicted. Examples include domestic violence and war.

 

Veterans may sometimes categorize their treatment needs based on a sense of “worthiness” or fear of not being “duty-ready,” which can lead them to overlook their own legitimate trauma. It’s important to note that many veterans who served in support roles have suffered significant trauma that deserves treatment.

 

Trauma is trauma, and all trauma matters. No one should have to suffer symptoms for the rest of their lives. This is why EMDR is a game-changer. It’s faster than traditional therapy and highly effective.

 

So, what exactly is EMDR?

 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured psychotherapy approach primarily used to help individuals process and resolve traumatic life memories. Developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in the 1980s, EMDR aims to help people overcome the emotional and psychological impact of traumatic experiences.

 

The therapy is based on the idea that traumatic memories can become “stuck” in the brain’s information processing system, causing distress and hindering adaptive functioning. EMDR helps individuals reprocess these memories, making them less distressing and more manageable.

 

EMDR, a therapy that doesn’t require drugs, is a game-changer for many clients who’ve exhausted traditional medical options. While EMDR may not guarantee medication reduction or elimination, it can significantly expedite the therapy process.

 

From a medical perspective, EMDR can be cost-effective, while from a client’s standpoint, it’s time-saving. Years of therapy can take a toll on a person’s self-esteem and wellness. EMDR empowers clients to realize their potential for improvement and their active role in recovery.

 

During treatment, progress is measured by distress ratings taken before, during, and after sessions. A mindful approach helps clients become aware of dysregulation signs and symptoms. EMDR skill development equips clients with self-soothing and regulation techniques, reducing fear and enhancing self-competence.

 

Baker Family offers EMDR treatment in both in-person and video settings to cater to your preferences. Since 2016, we’ve found EMDR highly successful when combined with CBT, DBT, and skill-building.

 

If these topics resonate with you or someone you care about, please reach out to an EMDR practitioner. You can find a local EMDR practitioner on the International Association of EMDR Practitioners website (www.EMDRIA.org) or the Psychology Today website (www.psychologytoday.com). 

 

For further reading, you might find the following resources helpful:

- EMDR: Getting Past Your Past by Francine Shapiro, PhD
- The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MD

 

Remember, if you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out to the National Suicide Hotline at 988. You can also text 988. For more information and support, visit www.chat988lifeline