Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing is an evidence-based treatment that can assist alleiviate the symptoms of Trauma, PTSD and Complex PTSD
Trauma and PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) can be difficult to treat because the trauma is stored in the sub-conscious and also in the body, then when 'triggered' by the many & varied people, places, events and language that happen everyday it comes to the surface.
Trauma's are often 'un-processes' memories or events that often have an overwhelming emotional response.
These can be in the form of big 'T' or small 't' trauma's - many assume that trauma is a big or dramatic event like those experienced during war or assault scenarios ... but these can also be in the form of smaller events, particularly during childhood or adolescence, but also other long term dysfunctional relationships. These may have had a negative accumulative effect on emotional, mental or physical wellbeing.
The reactions are predominantly a protective response, which sends the body and mind into survival mode. The most common being fight, flight, freeze. There is also the fawn response which isn't commonly problematic, yet tends toward co-dependence which isn't health in the long term.
Sometimes the conscious mind even hides the trauma as a protective measure because it could cause overwhelm and possibly shut-down.
The minds only job is to protect us and help us survive. Sometimes these survival responses become unhelpful or even harmful when the mind & body perceive threats to survival, even when the threating situation is over, the mind & body is vigilant for anything remotely similar. This is why we call these instances 'triggers', because they set off a cascade of biological and mental signals that the body is in danger (regardless of whether the danger is real or perceived). The emotional response to which can be very upsetting or harmful.
EMDR can help clients access these sub-conscious memories and triggers, then under the guidance of a trained professional, help to create a more conscious awareness around the event with a calmer emotional response.
Talking about the trauma experienced can often re-traumatise an already fragile mental and emotional state, EMDR can work even without talking about it.
If you've specific questions regarding EMDR call & ask for more information or send us your questions via the client contact forms.
Below is a short video to help explain.
Author: ReneeChanelle
Founder & Facilitator