• Mental Health

The Risks and Benefits of EMDR Therapy

It’s not always immediately obvious when past traumatic events influence how a person reacts to current situations. EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy was created to help people process traumatic events. 

This type of therapy is especially beneficial for those with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Unlike psychotherapy (talk therapy), EMDR does not require dialogue. Instead, your therapist will take you through a series of exercises to recall traumatic memories.

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

In EMDR therapy, a therapist will have you pay attention to back-and-forth movement or sound. They may ask you to recall a particular memory while following the pattern to process more context behind the memory.

Before you officially begin treatment, a healthcare provider may give you coping strategies for processing your traumatic memories, managing depression, dealing with phobias, and other concerns related to trauma. It’s important to come into therapy with a particular memory you want to tackle.

A therapist will ask the person to focus on that memory  while following movement with your eyes. This may include following their finger, a flashing light, or a tone with just your eyes. Health experts believe that eye movement stimulates the brain to uncover repressed emotions.

The goal is for you to gradually feel less stress and anxiety when recounting certain memories. The therapist will prompt discussion after the exercise about the experience.

Can EMDR Treat PTSD?

For people with PTSD, it can be difficult to manage recurring negative thoughts. For example, someone who has PTSD may constantly wonder, “Why did I survive?” a traumatic event in their life. This worry can show up in dreams or flashbacks throughout the day.

EMDR focuses primarily on how a memory is remembered rather than the emotions behind it. Through multiple sessions, EMDR starts the process of memory desensitization and stimulates the brain in a new way when it comes to one particular memory.

What are the Benefits of EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy helps you to process traumatic events that you never had time to process. During a distressing situation, it can feel as if life is moving at lightning speed. 

There is rarely time to stop and process what’s happening at the moment. Living with a chronic illness can also lead to trauma that may be difficult to process on your own. EMDR therapy may help reduce anxiety related to stressful situations in someone’s life.

EMDR therapy can give you the skills to:

• Have healthy conversations

• Speak openly about traumatic past experiences

• Develop coping strategies for stressful situations

• Set boundaries with others

• Improve reactions to triggering events

What are the Risks of EMDR Therapy?

Some health experts are concerned about the effects of EMDR therapy. One of the main risks of engaging in EMDR therapy is developing other mental health issues from treatment. Not everyone responds to treatment in the same way.

You may experience the following side effects of EMDR during or after therapy:

• Fatigue

• Headaches

• Lightheadedness

• Increase in dreaming

• Heightened emotions

Generally, EMDR is not recommended for people who need help with substance abuse. People may have harmful reactions to experiencing certain memories over again. 

Be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you have any preexisting health conditions or are taking any medications. Those who struggle with chronic migraines may also experience symptoms with EMDR therapy.

How to Find a Therapist

Be sure to take your time finding a therapist that works for you. Some health insurance providers may offer access to therapists who specialize in EMDR therapy. If you don’t have health insurance, there are non-profit organizations and online resources for connecting with therapists who offer affordable rates.

Where Can I Learn More About My Mental Health?

Finding a treatment that works for you is all about taking that first step. LifeMD works with insurance plans that cover mental health services for at least 95% of our patients.

Get started today with learning self-care tips and more about how to reach out for mental health support.

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