The Science Behind EMDR Therapy: How Eye Movements Can Heal Trauma
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a type of psychotherapy that uses eye movements to help people process and heal from traumatic experiences. During EMDR therapy, the patient is asked to recall a traumatic event while making eye movements. This allows the patient to process the event and work through the related emotions or experiences. Calm Again Counseling in San Francisco, CA, specializes in EMDR therapy and can assist you!
Trauma and the Brain
Trauma can significantly impact the brain, leading to long-term changes in how a person processes information and emotions. It can cause changes in the structure and function of the brain, leading to altered patterns of thinking and emotional responses. Trauma can also impact how the brain processes memories, making it difficult to recall traumatic events and leading to avoidance behaviors. EMDR therapy is believed to help trauma survivors heal by assisting the brain in reprocessing traumatic memories. When a person experiences a traumatic event, the event may be stored in the brain in an unprocessed form. EMDR therapy is thought to help the brain process the traumatic memory and allow the person to move forward in life.
EMDR Therapy and Eye Movements
Eye movements are an essential part of EMDR therapy as they are thought to help the patient access the traumatic memory and reprocess it. Eye movements stimulate both sides of the brain, allowing the patient to process the traumatic memory in a safe and controlled manner. The eye movements can help reduce the intensity of the memory and related emotions, allowing the patient to heal from the trauma in a safe and controlled environment. Moreover, eye movements help the patient to move beyond the negative emotions and memories associated with the trauma and help them create a more positive outlook on life.
The Research on EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy research has been shown to effectively reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological conditions. Symptoms including intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and flashbacks, are effectively minimized by EMDR. Additionally, research has found that EMDR therapy can help reduce the intensity of emotional distress associated with traumatic memories, allowing the patient to heal emotionally as well.
How EMDR Therapy Can Help Heal Trauma
EMDR is a type of psychotherapy that uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, to reduce the intensity of distressing memories. It is also believed to help the patient process and integrate the traumatic memories in a healthy way. EMDR is proven to reduce the symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety. This all contributes to the individual’s healing from the trauma. Who knew eye movements had so much power?
Contact Us Today And Schedule Your Appointment
EMDR therapy is a safe and effective therapy that can help individuals process and heal from trauma. This therapy can be used in addition to other forms of therapy to help individuals find peace and move forward with their lives. EMDR is an invaluable tool in the healing process. If you feel you would benefit from EMDR therapy, then contact Calm Again Counseling of San Francisco, CA, today and schedule your appointment!
