EMDR therapy is short for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy. EMDR is a type of psychotherapy that has been shown to be highly effective in treating trauma, anxiety, and other psychological conditions.
In its simplest terms, EMDR means that the brain processes traumatic memories best when there is something called ‘bilateral stimulation’. While the stimulation initially involved eye movement, the approach has grown to include aural stimulation (via auditory “beeps”), tactile stimulation (via alternate hand taps or vibrations), or combinations of the three types of stimulation.
EMDR seems to deliver a wide range of benefits including:
Rapid relief – EMDR therapy can produce quicker relief from the symptoms of trauma. Many individuals report significant improvement in just a few sessions. And this, of course, can result in an important difference in the quality of their life.
Versatile – EMDR therapy has been shown to be effective for a wide range of conditions. These include PTSD, anxiety, depression, addiction, and phobias. EMDR can also help people who have experienced a single traumatic event.
Reduced risk of relapse – EMDR therapy doesn’t treat the symptoms; it addresses the underlying causes of psychological conditions. This means that EMDR therapy can reduce the risk of relapse and help people to maintain improvement over time.
Safe – EMDR therapy is safe and non-invasive. It does not involve medication or other invasive treatments. Because of this, EMDR is suitable for people of all ages and can be used in combination with other forms of therapy.
Customizable – EMDR therapy can be customized to the individual. The therapist can modify the treatment to the symptoms and experiences of the client, making it a highly personalized therapy.
Birmingham Anxiety & Trauma Therapy has some amazing therapists that specialize in EMDR. Contact us to learn more about the benefits of EMDR. We are located near Birmingham, Alabama and can assist anyone across Alabama.
