If you’ve experienced significant psychological stress or are suffering from a disorder such as PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), you may benefit from Partners in Physical Therapy’s EDMR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy.
What is EMDR therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy is an interactive psychotherapy technique used to relieve psychological stress. During these kinds of sessions, your therapist will essentially have you briefly “relive” the traumatic event or triggering experiences by explaining them out loud, while he or she directs your eye movements.
This treatment is effective because recounting stressful or traumatic events is often less difficult to deal with emotionally when your attention is partially placed elsewhere. Healthline states that this kind of therapy “allows you to be exposed to the memories or thoughts without having a strong psychological response.”
Over time, EMDR therapy at Partners in Physical Therapy can lessen the impact that painful or traumatic memories have on you.
To find out whether or not this form of treatment is right for you, contact our clinic in Lake Charles to schedule your initial consultation.
What to expect during EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy comprises eight different phases. This is not therapy that will be completed with one session, so you should be prepared to visit your Lake Charles therapist at Partners in Physical Therapy for some time until treatment is complete.
The phases of EMDR therapy are as follows:
- Phase 1: History review and treatment planning – To begin your therapy, your therapist will need a full understanding of your history, including your trauma and where you currently are at in your recovery/treatment process.
- Phase 2: Preparation – Your Partners in Physical Therapy therapist will teach you how to cope with your emotional or psychological stress through deep breathing or other management techniques.
- Phase 3: Assessment – At this time, your therapist will identify help you to determine the specific memories to target, as well as physical sensations that might arise as you think of an event.
- Phases 4-7: Treatment – This is the stage where your therapist will begin incorporating eye movement into your sessions. They will ask you to focus on a specific negative thought or event, and then ask you to move your eyes in a certain direction.
They may also incorporate tapping or other movements into this phase. Afterwards, your therapist will ask for you to clear your mind and notice how you’re feeling. When these thoughts are determined, he or she might have you focus on them or move on to something else.
- Phase 8: Final Evaluation – In this last phase, your progress will be evaluated, both by you and your therapist. If necessary, treatment may continue.
It is important to note that if you become uncomfortable at any time, your therapist is skilled and will be able to bring you back into the present moment before continuing with your session.
Patients suffering from traumatic memories or thoughts as a result of a past event, or those who have PTSD can benefit the most from EMDR therapy. It’s also very beneficial to patients who have issues communicating about things they’ve experienced before. This kind of therapy is also used to treat anxiety, addiction, depression and panic attack disorders, as well as eating disorders.
It’s time to get the help you deserve
It isn’t healthy to carry stress around on your shoulders or to bottle up emotions and confusing thoughts. Talking about your problems with a licensed therapist can improve your mental and emotional stability. Contact our clinic in Lake Charles learn more about our counseling and EMDR therapy services.
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