What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and it is a technique designed to reduce stress caused from psychological events. During an EMDR therapy session, a therapist guides their patient through traumatic experiences in small batches, taking each moment one at a time and redirecting the patient’s eye movements. By diverting attention to other areas or objects, traumatic events become easier to process.
Who Can Benefit From EMDR Trauma Therapy?
In addition to helping those who have suffered a crisis, EMDR therapy can also help patients with PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, when agonizing events are recalled. EMDR can help your loved one speak more easily about a traumatic experience without reliving painful memories. It may also help alleviate other side effects of trauma, such as anxiety and depression.
EMDR Treatment Options
There are a variety of options for EMDR therapy, and it may include more than just eye movements. Oftentimes, stimulation may also include additional movement, such as tapping or hand gestures. EMDR may not be enough by itself, and therapists may also work with your loved one on other coping mechanisms like meditation or deep, methodical breathing. EMDR is a tried and true method for helping teens and young adults address traumatic experiences in their lives by diverting attention away from triggering memories in a natural, healthy way.
