If you have suffered through trauma and/or are suffering from PTSD, you may have heard about EMDR treatment. You probably have questions about what EMDR treatment is, what it entails, and whether EMDR is effective.
This article aims to help you gain a basic understanding of EMDR treatment in Utah and how it can help you through the recovery process.
What is EMDR Treatment?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is an interactive psychotherapy technique used to relieve psychological stress.
EMDR treatment has been shown to be effective, so much so that it is one of the Department of Veteran Affairs’ strongly recommended options to treat PTSD.
What Does EMDR Treatment Entail?
During EMDR treatment, a licensed therapist helps you to relive traumatic experiences in brief doses while the therapist directs your eye movements. Diverting your attention in such a manner often helps you recall memories or thoughts without a strong psychological response.
During the first few EMDR treatment sessions, the therapist will help you prepare for the procedure by teaching you effective methods to cope with your emotional or psychological stress.
The therapist will then identify target memories and apply EMDR treatment techniques to help you recall traumatic memories. If you become distressed, the therapist will help you come back to the present before moving on.
Is EMDR Treatment Effective?
EMDR treatment has been shown to be very effective for those who are struggling with PTSD, especially for those who struggle to talk about their past experiences. Many patients report that after EMDR treatment, their trauma and PTSD symptoms are significantly reduced and that these symptoms are not exacerbated during their treatment.
EMDR treatment is also being used to treat other mental illnesses, such as:
- Panic Attacks
- Depression
- Eating Disorders
- Addiction
However, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of EMDR treatment in these areas.
EMDR Treatment in Utah
At Utah Trauma & Addiction Centers, we don’t want you to merely “get better;” we want to help you achieve a full and satisfying life. Our facility is designed to help with our holistic healing process toward this goal. You can learn more about our services through our online brochure.
If you or a loved one is suffering from mental illness or addiction, contact us today.