Unfortunately, trauma is becoming more and more common these days. Many individuals have experienced a traumatic event and/or emotional trauma. These events can leave you feeling as if you don’t know where to turn or how to stop painful memories from replaying day after day in your thoughts. These thoughts and feelings can be remarkably overwhelming and feel paralyzing at times. Though you may feel alone, know that you are not.

Trauma is personal. Even if it happened many years ago, it can still deeply affect you in many ways, and your response can vary depending on the events that define your situation. Traumatic memories can begin to feel like a cage that keeps you from connecting to the rest of the world. Breaking out can be difficult, therapy can help.

What is EMDR?

You may have heard of EMDR and wondered what it was or if it could help you. Many people with anxiety, disturbed sleep, PTSD, and other concerns have found relief through EMDR. Today, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is thought to be one of the most promising methods for rapid, long-lasting healing for most types of trauma.

What is EMDR and how could it help you? EMDR is a powerful therapy technique that has been used to successfully treat people who are experiencing symptoms connected to trauma. It is “a new pathway to relieving issues arising from trauma.” Using eye movement or tactile stimulation, EMDR helps the neurophysiological system to release unprocessed memories in the brain. Memories of traumatic experiences can remain stuck or frozen in the brain, together with the emotions that were not fully expressed when the event occurred.

When a similar event happens in the present, you may have difficulty responding to the situation because traumatic images and feelings become active once again. As a result, the body reacts simultaneously to the current event and the similar event in the past. This gives rise to emotions and symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, fear, phobia, and more. EMDR helps you to process your memories to help you respond differently.

“EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from many different treatment approaches,” says the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). It “has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma,” as well as for concerns such as irritability, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, sleeping disorders, excessive worrying, and more. When used in conjunction with other traditional therapy methods, it can be very effective in treating many conditions.

How Can EMDR Help You?

Is EMDR for you? If you’re suffering from symptoms caused by a traumatic experience, you may be experiencing overwhelming body sensations and emotions. These symptoms can include intrusive thoughts of the event, nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance behaviors and may feel constantly on edge. The traumatic images and feelings can give rise to complications such as sleep difficulties, angry outbursts, restlessness, or difficulty in concentrating.

An EMDR therapist can work with you to help free your brain from painful memories so you can move forward. Research has also indicated that EMDR can help with secondary physical symptoms tied to trauma responses, such as gastrointestinal problems, lethargy, and burnout.

If you have not experienced a traumatic event, but instead feel limited by negative self-beliefs, such as lack of motivation or difficulty in trusting others, EMDR can also be a beneficial treatment option for you. Negative habits and thought patterns can significantly affect your psychological health, relationships, and performance. EMDR can help you overcome these self-perceptions and boost your confidence to reach your full potential.

Processing Painful Memories to Achieve Emotional Health

If you are feeling held back by traumatic memories, it may be time to liberate yourself from that emotional distress. Carolina Counseling Services – Southern Pines, NC, independently contracts with therapists who specialize in EMDR. Your counselor can guide you through the phases of EMDR and help you move forward.

You’re probably tired of carrying the burden of old memories and getting more tired as you relive them again and again. Take the first step to feel better. Consider addressing your trauma with an EMDR therapist independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Southern Pines, NC. Call today to schedule an appointment.

Related Articles:

• EMDR: Is it for you?
• EMDR: A New Pathway to Relieving Issues Arising from Trauma
• PTSD and Trauma: How to Feel Safe Again
• Helping Your Family Survive PTSD and STS
• Achieving Healing from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Trauma: Letting Go and Moving On
• Working Through Trauma with Therapy