What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy is a common treatment modality used by therapists to treat trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a form of psychotherapy in which a trained therapist will guide a patient’s eye movements while they recall traumatic events, allowing the patient to process them. Consequently, it is known to be one of the most effective ways to treat PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder) caused by war, assault, abuse, and other traumatic events. Many people are under the impression that EMDR therapy is used strictly for trauma, anxiety, and PTSD. However, EMDR can be used to treat any mental health concerns.
This treatment is one of the most effective ways to help people cope with the emotional distress caused by traumatic experiences. Physical disorders such as lack of sleep, body pain, panic attacks, nervous ticks, and others have been seen to be improved by EMDR.
There are many benefits of EMDR therapy. Dr. Francine Shapiro explains that through EMDR therapy, “the originally experienced negative emotions, physical sensations, and beliefs are altered as the targeted memory is integrated with more adaptive information… Consequently, the disturbing life experience becomes a source of strength and resilience.”
Here are some more benefits of EMDR therapy:
Fast and effective treatment
Can improve quality of sleep
Doesn’t require you to talk excessively about traumatic memories
Improves relationships
Treats stress-induced physical disorders and medically unexplained symptoms
Can be used alongside other types of therapy
The therapists at Aspen Counseling Services are well trained professionals. Each of them are eager to help you in your mental health journey. Many of them are trained and experienced with EMDR therapy. If you feel that you can benefit from this treatment, please reach out by calling or texting our office. Our number is 801-449-0017. We have offices in both American Fork and St. George, Utah as well as teletherapists available for remote sessions. Learn about our therapists to get started!
If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call the crisis hotline at 988 or dial 911.
Thank you for reading!
