EMDR therapy for anxiety provides relief of anxiety symptoms. EMDR therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, is showing promising results for the treatment of anxiety disorders. EMDR therapy for anxiety is a helpful approach to treating many mental health disorders including PTSD, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder. EMDR therapy for anxiety is endorsed by the World Health Organization and American Psychological Association and has evolved into a highly effective therapeutic approach that has helped many people overcome trauma-related conditions and disturbing life experiences.
EMDR therapy and EMDR Intensives are offered at Sobair Professional Mental Health Counseling & EMDR Therapy in the greater Pittsburgh area. This article will answer some common questions about EMDR Therapy and EMDR Intensives.
How does EMDR therapy get rid of trauma?
Two areas of the brain called the amygdala and hippocampus become overly stimulated during a traumatic or stressful event. We can think of the amygdala as our survival brain, which is where we store our emotional and traumatic memories. The short-term memory functions are controlled by the hippocampus. When these parts of the brain are overstimulated, the prefrontal cortex, the rational part of the brain where memory is sorted, shuts down and cannot process the distressing or upsetting events. Since the memories cannot be processed immediately (because we are in the fight, flight, and freeze state) they become stuck in survival area of the brain and go unprocessed.
Since these memories are stuck in the survival part of the brain, any situation that reminds you of the original traumatic event will illicit a survival response in your body. You may be completely unaware of why you are feeling stressed and ready to run or fight even when you know you are safe. EMDR therapy targets this part of the brain and uses bilateral stimulation to free those memories. Once they become unstuck, your brain and body properly process the memory and your unconscious triggers disappear.
EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation, which mimics REM sleep in the brain. This bilateral movement assists the brain to integrate and process information. It is during the REM sleep that our brains process survival information. Once processed, we will gain mental clarity and feel rested.
Is EMDR Therapy hypnosis?
EMDR therapy is not hypnosis. You will always be in complete control of what you are experiencing. You can start and stop at anytime during the mental health therapy session. EMDR therapy works with the natural healing process of your brain. You are fully awake and aware of everything that is going on with and around you.
Does EMDR therapy treat anxiety disorders?
EMDR therapy and EMDR intensives are mainly used to treat PTSD and other trauma related disorders. However, emerging evidence shows that EMDR therapy is effective in treating anxiety disorders, phobia disorders, depression, and many other mental health disorders.
EMDR therapy can treat anxiety-related disorders such as social anxiety, performance anxiety, generalized anxiety, and panic disorders. Anxiety is frequently linked to “stuck” thinking patterns, which involve dwelling on the past, present, or future. The disturbance need not be a previous circumstance because EMDR therapy for anxiety uses a three-pronged strategy (targeting a past, present, or future target). Another possibility is a fictitious, stressful occurrence that would result in the onset of anxiety symptoms.
Can EMDR therapy help everyone?
EMDR therapy and EMDR intensives are recommended treatment for many people who have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder. To learn more about EMDR therapy and EMDR intensives contact Sobair Professional Mental Health Counseling and Life Coaching to learn more about how this beneficial treatment can get you unstuck. EMDR therapy can help you live a healthy and happy life. Learn more at EMDRIA international.