If you’re wondering what EMDR is, consider these case studies. Each example is based on a composite of actual clients. In one example, a client has experienced severe abuse in her family beginning when she was born.
What is EMDR Therapy?
She struggles with feelings of guilt and shame, as well as feelings of responsibility. Children have a hard-wired tendency to blame themselves for traumatic events. Because of this, her response to the trauma has been to dissociate her mind and body.
EMDR therapy works by changing the way traumatic memories are processed in the brain. This allows for better processing and prevents intense emotional reactions. The process involves eye movements and bilateral stimulation mobile iv therapy fort worth, which involve engaging both sides of the brain. The therapist may also use rhythmic tapping on their hands or audio tones aimed toward both ears to help the client process the traumatic memory.
During EMDR therapy, a patient builds a rapport with the therapist and undergoes several sessions. During the sessions, the patient chooses a memory to reprocess. The selected memory should be one that triggers symptoms of PTSD. The patient then imagines the traumatic scene using a series of eye movements, as if they were in REM sleep.
During the desensitization phase, the therapist asks the patient to recall a disturbing memory, while using specific eye movements. The therapist will ask questions and take notes during this phase. The therapy will be more effective when the client can focus on a positive belief instead of a negative one.