What is EMDR & How Can It Help You?

 What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy that is often used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological conditions that involve disturbing memories or experiences. It has been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues in many individuals.

EMDR can be used to help people who have experienced a wide range of traumas, including physical or sexual abuse, natural disasters, car accidents, and combat. EMDR can also be helpful for individuals who have difficulty processing or coping with a traumatic event, or who have lingering symptoms of trauma such as flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, and negative thoughts or beliefs about themselves or the world.

How Can EMDR Help You?

1. Reducing symptoms of trauma and stress: EMDR can help individuals process and integrate their traumatic experiences, leading to a reduction in symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety.
2. Improving overall mental health: EMDR can lead to improvements in mood and overall functioning, helping individuals feel more balanced and in control of their thoughts and emotions.
3. Enhancing self-esteem: By working through past experiences and negative beliefs, EMDR can help individuals develop a more positive sense of self and improve their self-esteem.
4. Improving relationships: EMDR can help individuals better understand and resolve conflicts and issues in their relationships. This can lead to improved communication and stronger bonds.
5. Facilitating personal growth: By working through and resolving past experiences, EMDR can help individuals gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors, leading to personal growth.

What Can You Expect During EMDR?

The EMDR process typically involves the following steps:

1. Preparation: The therapist will explain the EMDR process to the client. Then the clinician will help the client develop coping strategies to use during the therapy session.
2. Assessment: The therapist will assess the client’s current symptoms and identify any specific memories that may be causing distress.
3. Desensitization: The therapist will guide the client through a series of eye movements or other bilateral stimulation (such as tapping or audio tones). At the same time, the client will focus
   on a specific memory or experience. The goal of this step of EMDR is to help the client process the memory or experience and reduce its emotional intensity.
4. Installation: The therapist will help the client understand their negative thinking patterns.  The client will then begin to develop positive beliefs about themselves and the memory or experience in question. This step of EMDR aims to help the client reframe their perspective on the event; they can then develop a more adaptive coping strategy. Negative beliefs attempting to be reframed may include the following:
   • I don’t deserve love.
   • I am a bad person.
   • I am terrible. 
   • I am worthless (inadequate). 
   • I should have done something.
   • I did something wrong. 
   • I should have known better.
   • I cannot trust my judgment. 
   • I cannot trust anyone. 
   • I cannot protect myself. 
   • I am in danger. 
   • I am not in control. 
   • I am powerless (helpless).
   • I am weak. 
   • I cannot get what I want.
5. Body scan: The therapist will ask the client to pay attention to any physical sensations in their body and report back to the therapist. This step of EMDR aims to help the client become more aware of their body’s response to the memory or experience and to identify any areas of discomfort or tension.
6. Closure: The therapist will help the client develop coping strategies to use outside of the EMDR therapy session. such as relaxation techniques or self-care practices. The therapist will also debrief the client on the session and discuss any further steps that may be necessary.
7. It is important to note that the steps of EMDR may vary depending on the individual needs of the client. It is also important to note that EMDR should only be conducted by a trained and qualified therapist.

Start EMDR in Baltimore, MD

If you want to try EMDR then we can help. Our Baltimore therapists specialize in EMDR. We can help them learn valuable skills that will help them cope in healthy ways throughout their life. In order to get started follow these steps:

1. Reach out for a free consultation at our Baltimore area therapy practice
2. Schedule your first appointment for therapy
3. Watch as your child learns how to navigate their fears and anxiety

Other Therapy Services We Offer in Maryland & the Washington DC Area

At Crystal Waters Counseling Centers we offer a variety of in-person and online therapy services. They are available for children, teens, college students, women, and adults throughout Maryland. This includes counseling for both anxiety and depression. As well as, therapy for life transitions, and parent coaching.