What is EMDR Therapy and how does it help?
Do you feel Trapped by trauma?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialized psychotherapy approach designed to help individuals process and heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as side-to-side eye movements) to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity.
EMDR was developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Francine Shapiro, a psychologist who discovered that certain eye movements could reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts. After further research and clinical trials, Dr. Shapiro formalized EMDR into a structured therapy, which has since gained recognition as an effective treatment for trauma, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Over the decades, EMDR has been endorsed by numerous mental health organizations, including the American Psychological Association (APA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
At OC Psychology Center, we often receive questions about what EMDR is and how it works. Here are the 4 most common questions we answer about our EMDR treatment services in Orange County California.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
EMDR works by engaging the brain’s natural healing processes.
EMDR works by engaging the brain’s natural healing processes. During a session, the therapist guides the client to recall traumatic events while simultaneously focusing on an external stimulus, like eye movements or tapping. This process helps desensitize the memory, allowing the brain to reframe it in a less distressing way.
How is EMDR Therapy Different from Other Treatments?
While traditional psychotherapy often focuses on talking through trauma, EMDR directly targets the way traumatic memories are stored in the brain. This method can be more efficient in reducing symptoms of PTSD and other trauma-related disorders. EMDR does not require the client to discuss their trauma in detail, making it a unique and effective option for those who find talking about their experiences difficult.
What can I expect in an EMDR therapy Session?
An EMDR session typically begins with discussing the trauma or distressing event with the therapist. After identifying the target memory, the therapist will ask the client to focus on the event while guiding them through a series of bilateral stimulations (such as eye movements). This process continues until the memory becomes less emotionally charged. Sessions often end with grounding techniques to ensure the client feels safe and supported.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
EMDR is particularly effective for individuals suffering from PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other trauma-related conditions. It is well-suited for those who struggle to talk about their trauma or have found limited success with traditional therapies. EMDR can also be beneficial for anyone experiencing distress from painful memories, even if these do not meet the criteria for PTSD.
Ready to heal?
If you or a loved one are struggling with the effects of trauma, OC Psychology Center’s EMDR specialists are here to help. EMDR could be the key to unlocking a path to healing and resilience.
We invite you to reach out to OC Psychology Center to schedule an appointment. Let’s work together to create a brighter, more peaceful future for you. Contact us today to begin your journey toward healing.
Our office is conveniently located in Newport Beach, California near John Wayne Airport and is accessible from all major Orange County cities.