Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a novel tool in the world of mental health treatment to help patients quickly and effectively change limiting thought patterns. This new treatment for a variety of mental health disorders provides clinical relief of symptoms without invasive procedures and medications. EMDR may soon become the go-to treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
EMDR was formulated first as a treatment for PTSD. Its success is based on what occurs during REM sleep. During REM sleep the eyes move back and forth, which is associated with increased problem solving and memory consolidation. The therapist induces the same eye movements during the day, to allow the client to access the entire memory network to reprocess old negative experience to change your belief of what it means about you. This allows people to put away the past once and for all.
By changing the mental state through EMDR and challenging core maladaptive beliefs, a patient can begin to develop healthy thought patterns and relationships with themselves. Whether the patient wishes to better process a traumatic event or change a belief about themselves, this type of mental stimulation can help to more easily change thoughts, behaviors, and feelings about the past.
Successful EMDR treatment results in the reduction in stress levels when confronted with triggers, and can help alleviate other symptoms of PTSD including negative beliefs and fears surrounding memories and circumstances. EMDR therapy has also been used to alleviate symptoms for many other disorders including:
- Chronic pain
- Phobias
- Depression
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Eating disorders
- Low self-esteem
- Stage fright and performance anxiety
- PTSD from sexual, emotional, and domestic abuse among other traumatic events
EMDR may be the solution for you if other traditional therapies and medications have provided little to no relief. Talk to a Reboot therapist to learn about EMDR treatment options for you today.