EMDR Therapy and How It Works

EMDR Therapy is often sought out by people struggling with symptoms related to an unresolved traumatic event.

In today’s world, ‘trauma’ has become more and more emphasized as we have grown into a greater understanding of how it affects so many people. We have learned that it’s not the event itself that is traumatic, but the response to the experience. While there is a common range of traumas, such as personal loss or abuse, war-related experiences, natural disasters, car accidents, and more, trauma symptoms can result from any adversely negative experience.

If you are struggling with the effects of trauma or anxiety, you may have heard about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.

If you are seeking EMDR therapy, you may be struggling with symptoms related to an unresolved traumatic event. Some people also seek this therapy to help them cope with the symptoms of anxiety disorders like panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and phobias.

When we have unresolved traumatic experiences, it can lead to unhealthy coping behaviors and possibly physical and psychological symptoms. The goal of this fancy therapy is to help you overcome these symptoms by targeting unresolved traumatic memories. We look at past traumas that are triggered in the present. These are usually traumas you have the same responses to as when you originally experienced the negative event.

During therapy, the West Lake Houston therapists will guide you through a number of eye movements (or other bilateral stimulation such as tapping) to help you process your traumatic experiences.

The goal here is to reduce activation connected to your memories and reprocess them so you can understand them in a healthier way.

EMDR therapy can help with your reactions and distress by improving your ability to regulate emotions, reduce intrusive thoughts, and increase self-confidence.

It allows the brain to naturally heal itself from past psychological injury (as the body does when it is physically injured). It can also help you learn healthier coping strategies for future stressors. If you are dealing with lingering effects of trauma, such as flashbacks and nightmares, it can help you live your life without fear.

If you have ever considered whether this therapy can work for you, we’d love to hear from you! With the help of a trained therapist, you can take steps towards healing and overcoming your trauma or anxiety that may be holding you back in important areas of your life. We are familiar with the kinds of events we would – hands down – label as traumatic (i.e a major accident), but it’s important to note that there are relational traumas people endure as well.

Typically, people find that their triggers most often happen in the context of romantic relationships. Again, it is not the event itself that determines the trauma, but the person’s response to it.

If you’re interested in learning more about EMDR therapy and how it can help you, reach out to us today to schedule a free phone consultation. Take the first step towards overcoming your trauma or anxiety today. Contact West Lake Houston Counseling.