EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, is a form of counseling therapy that is used primarily to treat forms of trauma and posttraumatic stress. It follows a precise and structured model, using physiological reactions such as eye movement to support clients in processing traumatic events. Therapists often combine this method with other forms of therapy for greater success. Keep reading for more in-depth information on EMDR psychotherapy for men and women in Newburgh and to discover whether it may be a consideration for your mental health needs.

About EMDR

The therapeutic framework on which EMDR psychotherapy is based is called AIP, adaptive information processing. The premise of AIP is that some experiences are difficult to process due to the high level of trauma or stress associated with them. In fact, such experiences often go completely unprocessed, causing later psychological issues related to the trauma.

Memories from the event itself may link to feelings, smells, physical sensations or thoughts related to the occurrence. These associations may trigger a negative response as they are encountered throughout unrelated activities. EMDR therapy helps patients finally process the memories attached to the past event in order to move forward in a healthy manner that is no longer affected by events of the past.

Effectiveness of EMDR

A number of well-known global organizations recognize EMDR psychotherapy as a legitimate form of therapy. These include the World Health Organization, the Department of Defense and the American Psychiatric Association. One theory behind the success of this type of therapy is that it doesn’t require patients to relive traumatic experiences through discussing them in detail, as other forms of psychotherapy involve. Thus, there is less anxiety related to and experienced in sessions. Clients report a higher satisfaction rate with EMDR than through talk therapy exclusively.

What to Expect

EMDR psychotherapy is an effective treatment for clients who have experienced distressing life occurrences or who hold strong negative self-beliefs. Practitioners help individuals narrow down specific events or beliefs, and they spend at least one session explaining the process of EMDR therapy and how it works. There are specific phases in this approach that help in the identification and processing of events or beliefs that are causing problems in present day.

During sessions, the client will be asked to think of a distressing memory while focusing on a stimulus that is delivered by the therapist. Such stimuli, known as bilateral, can include eye movements, tones or taps. The end result is that these memories develop new associations instead of the past ones related to pain, and new emotional responses are formed. Physical and neural transformations occur that allow clients to heal and become desensitized to traumatic memories.

This is a basic summary of EMDR psychotherapy. If it seems like an approach that resonates with you, we can help you learn about it in more detail at Cady Wellness Institute in Newburgh. Contact our office to set up an initial consultation.