EMDR has been around as far back as 1987. Fully pronounced as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, EMDR is a form of psychological therapy developed, researched extensively, confirmed, and established as a medically-approved process for helping individuals in overcoming past traumas in various fashions.
Over the years, emdr therapy has proven effective on depression, anxiety, PTSD, panic disorder, and other distressing life experiences. Rather than preparing another extensive material on this topic, I have decided to make this post a brief insight into some of the things you should know about EMDR therapy. Let’s get started.
How Is EMDR Different From Other Therapies?
While other therapies focus on creating a psychological effect through talks and discussions, EMDR is quite unique and that uniqueness makes it seriously effective. EMDR isn’t centered on changing the behavioural patterns, emotions, and thoughts of the individual. It otherwise focuses on tapping into the natural healings of the brain. It is not about completing a task, a discussion, or a session per se. It is not about taking a rehab. All of that set EMDR apart from other therapies you may be conversant with.
How Does EMDR Affect The Brain?
Like I pointed earlier, the brain has its own natural healing power and the aim of EMDR therapy is to help victims of truama and mental disorders to tap into that natural healing power. The healing process entails a smooth and teady communicatione between the amygdala, the hippocampus, and the prefrontal cortex.
The amygdala functions as the brain’s signal alarm for stressfull events. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for the analysis of emotions and the control of behavior. On the other hand, the hippocampus is responsible for the actions of learning and related activities. Once a steady communication is established between these 3 parts, the flight, fight, freeze responses that have become mechanical and automatic seizes. Though the memories remain, the victim is no longer at the mercy of them and is unaffected by memories and so is mentally free from traumas.
Who Can Benefit From EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is used for a wide spectrum of mental challenges in both adults and children. Some of these challenges are highlighted briefly below.
- Depression; EMDR has been tested and used successfully in helping depressed victims to live brilliant lives filled with fullfillment, productivity, happiness, joy, and freedom.
- Violence And Abuse; part of the effect of EMDR on the brain is to free the consciousness that is caught in the spinning wheel of memories of abuse and violence.
- Eating Disorder; victims of drinking and eating obsessions have become more in charge and responsible for their diets and eating manner.
- Sleeping Disturbance; being unable to sleep enjoy fully can be a result of built-up stress. This causes even more stress which spreads in every area of the victim’s life. EMDR is a solution to this.
- Substance Abuse And Addiction; the abuse of drugs and the addiction to weed or alcohol can ensue from the search of an escape from trauma. EMDR solves this too.
