Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy treats post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which occurs
after traumatic experiences like military combat, physical and/or sexual assault, and car accidents. EMDR has also been used to treat patients with anxiety, stress, chronic pain, addictions and eating disorders.
An EMDR session is approximately 50 minutes and involves a therapist moving his/her fingers back and forth in front of the patient’s face. They will ask that the patient follow the hand motions with their eyes while recalling a disturbing event. The hope is to associate the disturbing event with specific hand motions.
During the session, the therapist will gradually guide the patient to shift their thoughts to a more pleasant memory. After treatments, a patient may find that EMDR has successfully weakened the effect of their negative emotions. The end result is that the disturbing memories will become less disabling. Additionally, client distress is alleviated.
Developed only 30 years ago, more than 200,000 practitioners have been trained to use EMDR in patients and have witnessed remarkable results.
Depending on the intensity of the patient’s symptoms, desensitization can occur within 4 to 12 sessions. If you or a loved one are suffering from PTSD, addiction, stress, chronic pain, eating disorders or anxiety, and you would like to consider EMDR, schedule an appointment with one of our experienced professionals.
Contact Advantage Mental Health Center today for more information.