EMDR Information

EMDR: A Way Out of Misery for PTSD and Anxiety Sufferers

By Karen Baluch, LPCC-S, LICDC, LMHC, Certified EMDR Practitioner

Founder and CEO of Baker Family Counseling, LLC

 

The focus of this article is to summarize EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ), as a trauma treatment method and its outcomes.  This summary will provide for an improved understanding of options for those suffering with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and anxiety. It is not a review of all of the options available but as a guide for those considering EMDR.

 

Trauma is the root cause of PTSD and many anxiety disorders.  Causes for anxiety have many reasons some of which may include early childhood experiences, factors beyond a client’s control, having a poor support system or having no outlet for coping with life stressors.

 

Life stressors/traumas can include; domestic violence, war, poverty, death, sexual abuse or homelessness just to name a few.  Of course there are many overlapping conditions that can wrap themselves around into a complicated scenario which leave many wondering how to treat and manage mental health illnesses. 

 

In general the symptoms of PTSD can include nightmares, fear based thinking, hyper-vigilance, startle effects, night terrors, triggers, the avoidance of triggers, flashbacks and the development of anxiety related symptoms such as anxiety attacks or avoidance of people/places/events leading to isolating behaviors.  This list of symptoms is not meant as a tool for diagnosis or a complete list of all the overlapping symptoms but generally a flexible guide to help understand the symptoms and some of the consequences of the illness.

 

But first an additional word about trauma is needed.  Trauma to one person is not the same as trauma to all.  For example there is such a thing as unintentional trauma which may take the form of neglect.  Unintentional neglect of a child can definitely cause trauma and the development of anxiety based behaviors to cope with the child’s world when their needs are not met. There are many unintentional traumas we all suffer every day ( not all of which lead to PTSD ).

 

Intentional trauma is often the case of violence, verbal or physical abuse etc..which is intentionally inflicted.  This is seen in domestic violence situations or war for example. 

 

Veterans may sometimes categorize their needs for treatment based on a measurement of “worthiness” or fear of not being “duty ready” and can sometimes ignore their own legitimate trauma.  To be clear -there are many veterans who suffered traumas in support roles who have suffered very significant trauma worthy of treatment.  

 

Trauma is trauma.  All Trauma Matters.  No one needs to suffer symptoms for the rest of their lives and this is why EMDR is a game changer. It’s quicker than traditional therapy and its very effective. 

 

What is EMDR exactly then?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR ) is a structured psychotherapy approach primarily used to help people process and resolve traumatic life memories.  It was developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in the 1980s. (1)

 

The therapy is based on the idea that traumatic memories can become “stuck” in the brains information processing system causing emotional and sociological distress. EMDR helps to reprocess these memories so that they are less distressing and more adaptive. (2)

 

No drugs needed.  This is important to many clients as they have been through many doctors and clinicians searching for relief from their symptoms.  EMDR is not a therapy that requires medication.  However, the individual may already be on medication and while it may be possible to reduce and occasionally eliminate medications ( with a prescriber’s approval ) it is not a guarantee of this outcome.

 

EMDR expedites the therapy process.  The work done with an EMDR clinician may reduce the length of time of treatment compared to other traditional therapy approaches.  EMDR can be cost effective from a medical perspective but also time effective from the client’s perspective.  Time spent attending therapy for years can really add up for a client.  All this time in the counselor’s office can impact a person’s self esteem and concept of wellness in a negative way.  EMDR can help the client realize that improvement is possible and that they are part of the process of recovery.

 

Progress is measured during the treatment starting with distress ratings taken before, during and after the treatments.  A mindful approach teaches the client to become aware of signs and symptoms of dysregulation. EMDR skill building provides the client the ability to self sooth and regulate emotions and tolerate distress which then reduces fear and increases self competency.

 

Baker Family offers EMDR treatment both in an in-person or a video setting to suit your needs.  Baker has been providing EMDR treatment since 2016 and we have found it to be highly successful when coupled with CBT, DBT and skill building.

 

If these subjects are of interest to you or someone you love please reach out to an EMDR practitioner.  You can find a local EMDR practitioner by searching on the International Association of EMDR practitioners web site at:  www.EMDRIA.org

 

You can also search on Psychology Today website at www.psychologytoday.com for practitioners with the EMDR certification or basic training in EMDR. 

 

For additional reading you may want to read the following:

 

EMDR: Getting Past Your Past :  by Francine Shapiro, PhD

The Body Keeps the Score : by Bessel van der Kolk, MD

 

National Suicide Hotline Number:  CALL 988. TEXT 988

www.chat988lifeline.org