EMDR: A Powerful Psychotherapy
Life is complicated. There are so many decisions we have to make: good, bad, and the decisions when no options are good ones at all. Some of us have jobs where we have to make numerous decisions, practically micro-decisions. Then there are some decisions that we have to make that are incredibly painful, and some events that stick with us for a lifetime. There are events we have to live through that are horrible too. At times, we may not think we shall survive. This list is long: industrial accidents, car crashes, natural disasters, combat, and regret.
The winding, serpentine paths of life have some of us colliding with all of these at some point. For others, just a few of these. Regardless, all of these events are considered potentially traumatic events. These traumatic experiences sometimes burn an impression on us. Intrusive thoughts are commonplace and frequently become an issue afterward. Some experience what is called a "flashback."
A flashback is the reliving of the trauma. Some recall it replaying like a movie. Others find it to be like going back to the event itself. Regardless of the experience, a flashback is a flashback. An intrusive thought may sound like: "Why did I do that?" "Why did I have to do that?" "I could have..." These intrusive thoughts are just as painful as flashbacks. To avoid a repeat of the tragedy, you may even find yourself in a pattern of hypervigilance.
You are probably wanting answers if you have experienced or are still experiencing these symptoms. This may be PTSD or Acute Stress Disorder. Relax, a diagnosis is just a treatment plan. You are not a label.
Factually speaking, there are answers, and one of them is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). EMDR is a wonderful therapy that is almost as old as I am! EMDR has its roots in the 20th century; however, during the GWOT (Global War on Terror), EMDR became popularized and emerged as a first-line treatment for PTSD.
As a psychotherapist, I can say with conviction that it is an honor and a privilege to witness and perform this work. I have witnessed some intense and immense transformations with EMDR treatment. Sometimes I have clients follow my fingers as they move rapidly back and forth. Other times, I have clients perform self-tapping on their shoulders and thighs. This bilateral stimulation is the core of EMDR. Both the right and left hemispheres of the brain receive stimulation.
While you are doing this, I am having you breathe deeply to engage the diaphragm, a muscle located beneath the sternum. Near the diaphragm is the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is an information superhighway connecting the brain and gut. The breathing and tapping working together, or the eye movements and breathing, are powerful forces at work.
Now, this is not a deep dive into EMDR. EMDR is a powerful psychotherapy. A more detailed explanation can be found at https://www.emdria.org.
EMDR psychotherapy is a joy to perform. As I mentioned earlier, it has been an honor to witness the changes.
I have used EMDR in the aftermath of industrial accidents, combat, use-of-force incidents, medical crises, medical anxiety, and other matters. Each time, it has been a brilliant thing to see. Please give us a call at 309-713-1485 or email me at brandon@summitfamily.net to give EMDR a try or request a consultation.
