EMDR Therapy in Los Angeles + All California
What is EMDR Therapy? How Can It Help Heal From Trauma?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro and is an evidence-based trauma recovery model that’s often used in individual therapy to help treat symptoms of trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
In the past decade, healing from trauma (both big traumas as well as smaller traumas) has become one of the most common reasons why people reach out for forms of psychotherapy. Big T traumas include everything from sexual assault to school shootings, car accidents to the death of important loved ones. Little t traumas are far more common and can be equally as disruptive to your life and include breakups, emotional neglect, job loss, moving, and more.
Residents of Los Angeles, like most communities across the US, have no shortage of traumas to overcome. To help, at Modern Intimacy we have a team of EMDR trained trauma clinicians ready to help clients across the state of California.
What makes EMDR so helpful for trauma survivors?
Because so many trauma survivors experience panic attacks, flashbacks, somatic or physical sensations, traumatic memories, nightmares, dissociation, and emotional intensity due to their past traumatic experiences, EMDR therapy’s function is to relieve survivors from the symptoms of trauma that can impact their daily life, relationships, career, and more.
In therapy, the technique involves discussing what comes up when thinking about the trauma and then experiencing bilateral stimulation either visually or with vibrating items that are held in each hand.
Over time, the process of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy has been proven to reprocess the trauma the survivor faced so memories and triggers don’t feel so emotionally activating.
Is EMDR Therapy Only Helpful for Major Traumas?
EMDR can be a therapeutic tool for anyone who wishes to recover from trauma, no matter if it’s a Big T or little t trauma.
Trauma is less about the event that occurred and more about how a person’s nervous system responded to the traumatic event. This means that anything someone feels traumatized by can be traumatic to them. That means that EMDR can provide relief and healing, regardless of the type of traumatic event.
Can EMDR Therapy Help With Other Mental Health Conditions?
While EMDR is used most commonly for treating trauma, EMDR has had some success treating addiction, eating disorders, phobias, chronic pain, anxiety, stressful life experiences, and more.
Reprocessing thoughts, beliefs, and memories can be beneficial for those struggling with mental health conditions and EMDR can be a tool for that.
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Is EMDR Therapy Dangerous?
EMDR is considered a safe form of therapy, though it can come with some uncomfortable side effects. Because EMDR requires a person to think about and sit with traumatic events, after EMDR sessions, it’s possible to experience nightmares, anxiety, dissociation, and intense emotions.
Because of how EMDR functions, the symptoms associated with trauma should feel less intense after a few sessions. The number of EMDR sessions a client needs to get the results they are seeking can vary and can depend on the frequency.
Clients also have full control over how many EMDR sessions they’d like to do, when they need breaks, and when they feel ready to stop. Modern Intimacy’s EMDR therapists work with clients to establish resources for coping with any uncomfortable side effects of EMDR Therapy before getting started.
What Are the Benefits of EMDR Therapy?
People who have undergone EMDR therapy have shared that it has improved their personal life, relationships, mental health, and confidence. Going through trauma can be overwhelming and EMDR has shown to help people feel more grounded in the present moment versus feeling trapped in the past.
When you work towards healing from trauma, many people notice their mood feels more regulated and stable, sleep, motivation, and memory can improve, triggers feel less activating, relationships can feel more manageable, and much more.
I’m Ready To Explore EMDR in Los Angeles Or In Another California City, What’s Next?
Feel free to schedule a free 30-minute consultation below with our Intake Specialist to start the conversation. Prioritizing your emotional and mental health is essential. Therapy is an investment, and it’s one that has the ability to improve your life in ways you might not have felt possible.