What is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)?
EMDR has become a widely recognized therapy for treating trauma-based mental illnesses. Developed in the 1980s, EMDR is now a common and effective method. Thus, many individuals have found significant relief from their symptoms through EMDR therapy for trauma. This therapy helps reprocess distressing memories, thereby reducing the negative emotions associated with them.
EMDR should only be conducted by trained clinicians. Some practitioners use special equipment, while others guide the patient to follow their hand movements or a small penlight. During the sessions, clients recall traumatic memories while following the clinician’s instructions, often incorporating tapping motions with their fingers.
Several sessions of EMDR therapy can provide significant relief for those suffering from trauma. If someone is struggling with trauma, consider seeking our EMDR therapy in Murfreesboro, TN for effective and compassionate care.
Phases of EMDR Treatment
EMDR therapy in Tennessee applies the eight structured phases designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences.
These are:
- History taking and treatment planning: The therapist and client discuss the client’s history and develop a treatment plan. They establish a trusting relationship and identify traumatic events to address.
- Preparation: The therapist explains the EMDR process, addresses any concerns, and teaches coping techniques to handle emotional disturbances that may arise.
- Assessment: The specific traumatic event to reprocess is identified, along with associated images, beliefs, feelings, and sensations. Baseline measures are set using the Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUD) and Validity of Cognition (VOC) scales.
- Desensitization: The client focuses on the traumatic event while engaging in bilateral stimulation (e.g., side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps) until the distress level (SUD) is significantly reduced.
- Installation: The client strengthens a positive belief associated with the traumatic event until it feels completely true.
- Body scan: The client holds the positive belief and the target event in mind while scanning the body for any remaining physical disturbances, which are then processed.
- Closure: Each session ends with the client returning to a state of calm, regardless of whether the reprocessing is complete. The goal is to achieve a neutral feeling about the event, a strong positive belief, and no physical disturbances.
- Reevaluation: At the start of each new session, the therapist and client review the processed memories to ensure distress remains low and the positive belief is strong. They then plan future treatment targets.
At Tulip Hill Recovery, we understand that seeking help for trauma can be a deeply personal and challenging journey. Hence, our EMDR treatment center is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment where you can heal and reclaim your life through the help of these phases.
What Does EMDR Treat?
EMDR is effective in treating a wide range of conditions. Ongoing research continues to expand the list of mental and physical health symptoms it can address.
Currently, EMDR has proven effective in treating:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Emotional distress
- Eating disorders
- Addiction to drugs and alcohol
- Emotional issues specific to military veterans
- Pain and muscle tension
Benefits of EMDR Therapy
Engaging in our EMDR therapy in Murfreesboro, TN can lead to numerous benefits, significantly enhancing one’s quality of life. Upon completing EMDR therapy, our clients often find they can discuss their traumatic experiences without feeling overwhelmed. They gain a new perspective on past events, feeling empowered as their lives are no longer dominated by trauma.
Populations and conditions that respond positively to EMDR include:
Mental Health Conditions
EMDR is widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating PTSD, especially among veterans. Additionally, it is beneficial for individuals dealing with various other mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and eating disorders. Many people find EMDR therapy in Murfreesboro, Tennessee to be a valuable treatment option for these conditions.
Medical Ailments
Individuals with PTSD often experience related medical symptoms due to chronic stress and anxiety. These can include pain, respiratory issues, digestive problems, and more. The constant strain on the body from PTSD can lead to these physical ailments. EMDR therapy in Tennessee can significantly alleviate or eliminate these symptoms by addressing the root causes of stress and anxiety. Consequently, many people find that EMDR not only improves their mental health but also enhances their physical well-being.
Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Individuals with PTSD often turn to drugs or alcohol to alleviate their trauma symptoms. While this may offer temporary relief, it frequently leads to addiction. Healing from addiction becomes more achievable when the underlying traumatic symptoms are addressed. This is why many EMDR treatment centers focus on both mental health and substance use disorders simultaneously. Treating these issues together ensures a more comprehensive and effective recovery process.
Choosing our EMDR therapy in Murfreesboro, TN is a courageous step towards reclaiming someone’s life from the shadows of trauma. We understand the profound impact that trauma can have on both mental and physical health, and we’re here to support our clients every step of the way.
With these benefits of EMDR therapy, they can find relief from overwhelming emotions, regain control over their reactions, and break free from the cycles of addiction. Our dedicated team is committed to helping them not only survive but thrive, empowering them to lead a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Do You Need EMDR Therapy In Murfreesboro, Tennessee?
If someone is not familiar with EMDR, they might wonder if it’s the right treatment for them. Our compassionate and dedicated team can discuss your specific needs to determine if it’s a good fit. EMDR therapy has proven beneficial for individuals dealing with:
- A diagnosis of PTSD
- Past or current physical or sexual assaults
- Exposure to combat and other military actions
- Survivors of natural disasters (hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, etc.)
- Substance use disorders
- Jobs as first responders, such as firefighters, law enforcement, and paramedics
- Serious illness
- Eating disorders
- The loss of a loved one
- Bullying
- Ongoing medical pain
Find Healing with EMDR Therapy in Murfreesboro, TN
Experiencing trauma can profoundly impact your life, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Tulip Hill Recovery, we understand the challenges trauma brings and are dedicated to helping you overcome them. Our compassionate team uses comprehensive EMDR therapy for trauma-related mental health conditions and provides support for drug and alcohol addiction. Discover how EMDR therapy in Murfreesboro, TN, can help you reclaim your life and leave trauma behind.
Contact us today and we’re here to support you every step of the way.