By Susan Morlock, MA, LPC
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization
and Reprocessing) is a relatively new therapy, and research shows that it can
be effective in reducing symptoms of trauma. Like our body, the mind can heal
itself. Usually, this natural process occurs when we sleep during the REM (Rapid
Eye Movement) cycle. EMDR mimics this process by having the individual recount
the past trauma experienced, while moving his or her eyes back and forth in a
clockwork-like fashion, known as bilateral
stimulation. With repeated sets of eye movements, the traumatic memory loses
its intensity as it becomes neutral and stored in the past where it belongs.
What
happens when we get traumatized?
Trauma--which is an event
that falls outside our usual human experience--causes distress. Trauma can be
grouped into two types: Big T and little
t. A big T event could be auto crash, war, losing a loved one, or sexual
abuse, just to name a few. Little t events
are at a more personal level such as loss of a personal relationship, loss of
job, being teased as a young child, or a phobia or fear of something. When
these things happen, our natural coping mechanisms become overwhelmed, and our brain
freezes (flight or fight response). These memories are left unprocessed, and then
when the trauma is triggered, the body reacts as if the event is occurring in
the present. EMDR helps teach the brain that the trauma is a memory. All trauma
has an effect on how we view the world and shapes how we cope with life after
an upsetting event.
What
is EMDR session like?
The amount of time to
complete treatment will depend on your history. The three-pronged approach
involves targeting past memories, present disturbances, and future actions. By
adding a bilateral stimulation in a safe environment the disturbing event is
recalled in detail. All the emotions and body sensations are explored. The idea
is to shift and weaken the negative emotions and reactions to help make them
less disturbing and symptomatic by turning them into resolved feelings and
stored adaptive memories.
What
are some symptoms that EMDR can help?
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma
Eating disorders
Phobias
Grief
Test anxiety
Nightmares
Rape
Robbery
Can EMDR be helpful for
you? Talk to your therapist or contact me for more details. We all deserve to
have happiness and a full life.
Susan
Morlock, MA, LPC is a staff therapist at The Awakening Center. She has
specialized training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Trauma Therapy using
EMDR, Discernment Counseling, Internal Family Systems, and Cognitive Behavior
Therapy. Her areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, stress and anger
management, job and career concerns, eating disorders, and relationship issues.
To find out more about EMDR or to get in touch with Susan, call 773-929-6262 x
20 or email morlocksusan@yahoo.com. www.theawakeningcenter.net.
Posts
