EMDR therapy has become popular for trauma and anxiety sufferers. Studies show that EMDR for trauma outcomes in 84-100% decrease in symptoms and has become one of the best ptsd and anxiety treatments.
EMDR is one of the exciting techniques in the mental health field which has been discovered to assist patients in dealing with distressing memories and feelings. First of all, every medication has its benefits and drawbacks, but when it comes to anxiety it is crucial to consider.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the EMDR therapy side effects, how EMDR treatment can treat anxiety, its negative effects, and the expanding availability of online services. Online EMDR therapy has increased 30% in availability in recent years, giving more people access to this revolutionary treatment. This information will help you choose EMDR for your mental health, whether you’re new to it or considering it.
Understanding EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy is Alternatively, Structured psychotherapy. EMDR can be used to manage patients’ trauma cores. Between-triggering (usually involving slow eye movements), along with talking interventions, allows the brain to work through a person’s painful memories. It is essentially to help the person re-view those memories so they cause much less emotional reaction and tagged with regain control and calmness.
As an innovative approach, developed for the identification of PTSD, EMDR treatment can now combat anxiety, depression, phobias, and panic disorders. Orginally based on the notion that trauma could undermine proper functioning of the brain in terms of emotions and events.
EMDR therapy allows the memory processing in brain by stimulating it bilaterally thus eradicating anxiety and distress.
8 Phases Of EMDR Therapy
The 8 phases of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy are:
History-taking: Taking history from clients and defining targets for therapy.
Preparation: What are the three phases of EMDR treatment, and why do they matter?
Assessment: Recognition of the negative memories, negative beliefs and positive beliefs that the patient needs to hold.
Desensitization: Alleviation of emotional distress associated with memory by bilateral stimulation.
Installation: Reconfiguration of positive beliefs that are linked to particular memories and modal outcomes.
Body Scan: Relooking at the body and trying to release any remaining tension that a person may be having or any discomfort that one may be feeling.
Closure: To keep the client stable before bringing the session to a close.
Reevaluation: Reviewing progress and evaluation of the remaining concerns in other sessions.
EMDR Therapy in Treating Trauma, PTSD, and Anxiety Disorders
EMDR therapy is best known for treating PTSD, especially in trauma victims. Additionally, it is particularly useful for anxiety problems.
The therapy can help PTSD sufferers process distressing memories in a safe setting. This reprocessing helps the brain integrate these memories into the person’s life story, lowering trauma symptoms including flashbacks, nightmares, and extreme anxiety.
EMDR therapy effectively treats anxiety, PTSD, and trauma. It is popular with persons seeking to improve their mental health because it can address the fundamental causes of emotional suffering, even when traditional therapies fail.
How Long Do Side Effects Last After EMDR Therapy?
Side effects of EMDR therapy side effects include potential worsening of the emotional state, moderate headache, dizziness, fatigue and nightmares. These side effects suggest that the brain is interpreting some material as painful, which is the purpose of the therapy. They normally last several hours to a few days depending on several factors.
While experiencing those Drama elements, some people may feel a little sad or angry and then forget it, he added. The problematic affective processes in EMDR are resolved gradually; therefore side effects may take some sessions to resolve in people with severe past traumas.
Is EMDR Therapy Safe for Everyone?
EMDR therapy does not harm a single client and it is harmless to most clients, especially those with trauma, anxiety disorders, and PTSD. However, like all therapeutic interventions it is not for everyone and clients must meet specific criteria. It would also serve a purpose to understand who may get the most benefit out of EMDR and who should perhaps think twice about it in order to use EMDR safely and efficiently.
Who can Take Benefit from EMDR Therapy
- People with Trauma
- People with Anxiety Disorders
- Those with Post traumatic stress disorder
Who Should Avoid or Carefully Consider EMDR Therapy?
- Individuals with Certain Mental Health Conditions
- Individuals with Unresolved Medical Issues
The Benefits of EMDR Therapy
- EMDR processes traumatic memories faster than typical therapy, allowing speedier trauma healing.
- Relieves PTSD symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety.
- EMDR helps individuals control their emotions, lowering stress and emotional reactivity.
- EMDR can boost self-esteem by resolving trauma-related negative thoughts.
- EMDR reduces anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.
- Clients learn healthier coping techniques and use fewer dysfunctional behaviors.
- EMDR is especially effective for healing childhood trauma like abuse and neglect.
- The therapy balances the brain’s information processing system, improving mental and emotional health.
- EMDR offers natural healing without drugs or surgery.
- EMDR can treat trauma, phobias, bereavement, and chronic pain.
Common EMDR Therapy Side Effects
Even though EMDR is beneficial for PTSD, We have learned it has some side effects that may be experienced for some time. Common reactions include:
Emotional Distress: Clients often develop feelings or recall past events in relation to trauma during or after the sessions.
Physical Sensations: These may include headaches, dizziness, or fatigue and that the level of the previously mentioned symptoms depends upon their experience levels.
Intrusive Thoughts: It has been identified that there are clients who experience some worsening of symptoms, like negative thoughts and some who even have flashbacks after the therapy.
Sleep Disturbances: Sleep abnormalities, for example, having poor night rest, or frequent nightmares, may be present.
These side effects are mild and normally disappear as the therapy goes on.
How to Minimize or Manage Side Effects
Several effective methods can manage EMDR side effects. Pre-session preparation with your therapist helps you predict emotional responses and create coping techniques. Deep breathing or mindfulness can help you focus and reduce emotional distress during the session.
Pacing is very important to keep therapy sessions from getting too hard. Self-care also helps you deal with your feelings. During therapy, rest, relaxation, and a healthy lifestyle can all help with mental health.
Closing Thoughts!
EMDR treatment is extremely helpful for traumatic experiences and also for anxiety and other emotions.
If you are thinking about EMDR treatment and would like to know more about what it may involve we welcome you to set up an appointment with a licensed therapist at BrightPoint MD. Please do not hesitate to contact any member of our team. Get in touch with our practice and learn about your EMDR options with us, whether through teletherapy or in-person sessions.
To find out more or to set up an appointment, please review our site or contact BrightPoint MD – your go-to source for mental health services.
