EMDR trauma therapy
Trauma is often misunderstood. Trauma is essentially any emotional experience that overwhelms our ability to process what is happening, at the time it is happening. The overwhelming event can be real or perceived.
Trauma does not have to stem from a major catastrophe. Two people rarely, if ever, will respond to the same situation in the same way. Children who witness aggressive arguments may think they are life-threatening. We must reroute feelings and sensory overload to function after the experience freezes or blocks cognition. Thus, if we lack the resources to process what is happening, we adapt at a cost.
Unprocessed trauma wreaks havoc on our cognitive clarity and our overall health over time. The central nervous system (CNS) locks maladaptive neuro-messaging as normal, allowing these overwhelming experiences to affect all new life experiences. In the past, trauma therapy involved talking about traumatic events – this, unfortunately, does little to change or improve the situation. In fact, rehashing old memories does little more than re-arouse the CNS and leave the emotions raw, without resolution. Pioneers in the field of trauma research with PTSD, such as Levine and Shapiro, have enlightened practitioners about the treatment of trauma as both physical and psychological distress.
The most recent and cutting-edge therapy for PTSD and other trauma-related symptoms is EMDR. Unresolved trauma in our daily lives and interpersonal relationships can lead to various anxiety-related conditions, which EMDR therapy can treat.
EMDR is not talk therapy; but rather a non-drug, non-hypnosis psychotherapy procedure. The therapist guides the client to focus on memory or emotion while rapidly moving the eyes (by following the fingers). The bilateral stimulation of the left and right brain hemispheres mimics REM dream sleep and naturally promotes internal healing. Freedom from the angst of unresolved trauma is possible with skilled and informed therapy.