EMDR is a powerful therapeutic modality that can help clients process trauma and difficult emotions.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is most useful when seeking to process distressing memories or events. The rapid bilateral stimulation helps to minimize the vividness of traumatic experiences and the emotions surrounding these memories. This rhythmic bilateral stimulation can be done in the form of light, tones, or taps, stimulating the left and right sides of the body. It is often used in the treatment of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Instead of focusing on altering a client’s emotions, thoughts, or feelings, EMDR focuses on the traumatic memory itself, attempting to change the way it is stored in the brain. This then reduces the problematic symptoms through neuroplasticity.
Some therapists integrate EMDR with other therapeutic modalities, in particular, Internal Family Systems (IFS). IFS stands alone as a brilliant and highly successful mental health treatment. It also can enhance the effectiveness of EMDR and vice versa. IFS conceptualizes individuals as having multiple “parts,” or subpersonalities to them. Each part holds a different belief or emotion, with the main, central part being the “Self.” In using EMDR or IFS, therapists can help clients access more complete healing. These modalities can enhance self-regulation and offer peace in the chaos of life. There are many benefits to using these modalities including increased self-awareness, self-compassion, emotional regulation, trauma processing, and long-term relapse prevention.
Overall, EMDR and IFS are powerful and effective therapeutic modalities both individually and when combined in treatment. Call our office today and request a therapist trained in either modality to experience the healing for yourself!