June is PTSD Awareness Month, an ideal time to explore evidence-based treatments that empower you to heal from a traumatic experience. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is a structured, interactive form of psychotherapy that has helped millions of people overcome the debilitating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services offers EMDR as part of our comprehensive approach to trauma recovery.
What Is EMDR?
In the 1980s, psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro discovered that specific eye movements appeared to reduce the emotional charge of distressing memories. Over time, EMDR evolved into a formal therapeutic method that helps people process “stuck” trauma.
Trauma can change your brain’s chemistry – specifically, the parts that are responsible for thinking, decision-making, planning and remembering relevant information. As a result, many trauma survivors are in permanent survival mode.
EMDR activates your brain’s capacity to reprocess frightening or unpleasant memories in a safe and supportive environment. During treatment, you’ll recall traumatic events while engaging in bilateral stimulation – typically through guided eye movements, hand tapping, or auditory cues.
What to Expect During EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy consists of eight structured phases, beginning with history-taking and preparation. Once your therapist identifies a target memory, they will guide you to briefly focus on it while following their fingers or another stimulus with your eyes. This process mimics the eye movement patterns of REM sleep, known for its role in memory processing.
Between intervals of stimulation, your therapist will ask you to report your thoughts, feelings and physical sensations. Over multiple sessions, the emotional intensity tied to the traumatic memory typically diminishes, and more adaptive perspectives emerge.
Who Can Benefit From EMDR?
EMDR has proven effective for a wide range of people dealing with PTSD and trauma-related symptoms, including:
- Survivors of abuse, neglect or violence
- First responders and military veterans
- People affected by accidents or natural disasters
- Clients with complex trauma or dissociative symptoms
You may benefit from EMDR if you struggle with flashbacks, hypervigilance, emotional numbness or intrusive thoughts.
Why EMDR Works
The cornerstone of EMDR is the adaptive information processing model, which suggests that unprocessed memories are at the root of many mental health conditions. EMDR reduces your trauma’s power and influence by encouraging you to reframe what you went through.
Advantages include:
- Directly targets trauma’s underlying cause rather than teaching you coping mechanisms
- Accelerates recovery compared to traditional talk therapy
- Encourages lasting emotional and cognitive change
- Fewer side effects than taking medication
Pine Grove’s Trauma-Informed Approach
At Pine Grove, we understand the profound impact of unresolved trauma. Our trauma-focused programs integrate EMDR with other evidence-based therapies to provide comprehensive care tailored to your unique needs. Whether you are struggling with PTSD, anxiety, depression or co-occurring disorders, our team can help you reclaim your life.
If you live with the effects of trauma, contact us today to learn how EMDR therapy can be a valuable part of your recovery.
