How is EMDR Therapy different?
Whether you have participated in therapy for years or are just starting to consider seeking a professional to help you in your mental health journey, it is important to be informed related to the options in treatment that exist. Today we are going to take a deeper look at EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy) so that you can determine if EMDR therapy may be the right intervention for you.
It is more effective and efficient than traditional CBT therapy. (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) .
There is evidence of greater efficiency and effectiveness at reducing trauma or PTDS symptoms when compared with CBT and equal effectiveness with reducing depression symptoms. (Feel free to dive more into the research with this Meta-analysis here) To be clear, both are evidence-based and valid interventions for both Trauma recovery and depression treatment.
*Are you interested in learning more about the research behind EMDR therapy? EMDRIA has an amazing database of recent research and publications.
EMDR therapy addresses more than just thoughts.
Many forms of therapy work with reshaping or altering the way that our brain thinks, or the cognitions related to our experiences. Our thoughts are powerful; cognitive reframing and processing is a great way to impact our mental and emotional health. EMDR therapy takes things a bit further though. With EMDR therapy, we work to address the symptoms by working the way that our brain and bodies function. Human experiences are complex involve more than just our thought content. EMDR therapy addressed not only the thoughts but also the emotional experience, the belief systems, and the body responses so that we can adapt information on all of those levels.
EMDR Therapy involves very little homework.
Many cognitive base therapy models involve an element of homework or application of the skills or strategies in life between sessions. These worksheets, exercises, and assignments are great options that help lots of people apply information in their real lives. EMDR therapy can be a bit different though because we are working with the way that the brain stores and response to experiences, the vast majority of the work is done in session with your EMDR therapist. Many clients like the fact that they get to work hard during their appointment and they are actually encouraged to put the work away or contain the work until they are back in session.
The results are measurable in real-time.
Let’s face it, there are lots of elements of mental health that are “abstract” and many clients report having a challenging time identifying if or when they are “getting better”. There are of course many evidence-based tools to measure the intensity of symptoms, etc, but still, many clients find it challenging to track their own progress. One encouraging element of EMDR therapy is that a measuring tool for distress and evaluation of the progress of processing is built into the model. Clients and therapists are able to track progress and note changes in the way that the body and brain are interacting with the memory content quickly and easily.
What are the next steps in finding an EMDR therapist near you?
EMDRIA has a directory of EMDR certified therapist to help you connect you with a provider near you.
Are you interested in EMDR therapy for yourself, child or teen? Are located in the DFW, Dallas, Arlington, Mansfield, Grand Prairie or surrounding Texas Areas? Or are you a Texas resident interested in learning more about how online therapy may be a part of your trauma therapy plan? Learn more about our options for affordable EMDR therapy services both in person and though online counseling? Our Arlington, Tx counseling office is ready to serve you.
