Experienced a traumatic event? EMDR could be exactly what you need. EMDR is a non-conventional type of therapy that helps people overcome traumatic experiences and their lingering emotional effects. Its effectiveness is backed up by more than three decades of research, which began in 1989, and studies proving that it can lead to quicker healing compared to other treatments. Up to 70% of people will experience trauma in their lifetime, with a further 1/10 developing PTSD in its aftermath. EMDR has even been shown to ease symptoms following concussions after stressful events.
By prioritizing the healing of mind and body and seeking effective therapies like EMDR, you can take control of your recovery. Here’s how EMDR can help you recover from trauma.
The hidden impact of injury: more than just physical pain
A car crash or workplace incident might cause immediate physical injury. Yet, while your leg is healing in a cast or bandages are being changed, emotional trauma can go undetected. The result? A hidden psychological impact.
Emotional distress after an accident is widespread, and it’s essential to seek the proper support. You might experience emotional responses like:
- Anxiety
- Avoidance
- Fear of re-injury
- Nightmares
Some people might feel comfortable processing and overcoming these difficulties independently or with the support of loved ones. However, if these symptoms continue over a prolonged period, it’s important to seek professional guidance.
Signs of PTSD include:
- Continued nightmares and flashbacks
- Unpleasant physical sensations like shaking
- Avoidance
- Hyperarousal
What is EMDR, and how does it work?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It uses side-to-side eye movements to help people process traumatic memories that are causing a lingering impact. EMDR was devised by Francine Shapiro, a U.S.-based psychologist who described the core procedure in 1989. While therapists use talk therapy alongside this approach, it’s fundamentally an action-focused treatment that aims to rewire the brain. The bilateral stimulation effectively accesses your subconscious thoughts and responses, allowing you to process everything. Think of it as bringing trapped memories to the surface to address them once and for all.
The effect? Reduced triggers and emotional distress. EMDR is extremely effective, with success rates of up to 90% reported for single-trauma victims.
Taking the first steps toward emotional and physical healing
Taking the right initial steps is vital if you’re in the trauma recovery process. It’s true: a journey of a thousand miles begins with that first step. Always seek professional support if post-traumatic emotional distress becomes ongoing. There’s no need to struggle alone.
Begin by consulting an EMDR therapist (available privately or through the NHS) and exploring trauma-informed therapies like CBT. While waiting for professional treatment, practising grounding strategies and mindfulness are helpful, bringing yourself back to the present moment in the presence of triggers.
Don’t underestimate the importance of justice and closure, too. If you’ve faced a traumatic event caused by someone else, seek legal advice. You could be entitled to pursue a no-win, no-fee compensation claim.
It’s important to heal your body and mind; EMDR could be a valuable first step in processing underlying trauma.
The Flexibility of EMDR Therapy
One of the greatest abilities of EMDR is its flexibility since therapists can adapt treatment protocols to suit specific concerns of trauma. This flexibility in the treatment makes it suitable for addressing various types of trauma, from single-incident trauma to complex trauma and developmental trauma, to pain relief and symptom reduction of trauma. EMDR also may be integrated with other empirically supported therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based treatments, for enhanced effectiveness.
By using EMDR on a client-by-client basis, therapists can optimize treatment effectiveness, maximize client engagement, and improve overall well-being. Such flexibility is the reason why EMDR is such a powerful intervention towards healing, since therapists can become attuned to different experiences and responses. Moreover, EMDR therapy can be delivered in person or online, allowing therapists to work with clients comfortably and conveniently.