EMDR
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and enables stressful memories to be processed in such a way that they lose their negative impact. In practice, it is about using eye movements or other bilateral stimulation (such as sounds or touches) to help the brain to better process traumatic experiences, which then leads to emotional stabilization.
How does a session work? In a EMDR session the therapist supports the client to find coping strategies to feel safe and stable. Then, the stressful memory becomes attention, whilst right-left stimulation occur through eye movements or tapping. The stimulation helps the brain to reprocess the memory and make it less stressful.
Why does it work? EMDR is like a update for your brain. Many studies show that this method is effective in treating traumatising experiences (PTSD) and mental and emotional distress. The stimulation activates the brain's natural processing system, which integrates difficult memories and emotionally defuses them. This way, it is possible to finally make peace with the past and/or emotional challenges.
When EMDR?
Traumatic experience:
Intrusive thoughts, nightmares and flashbacks, avoiding memories of the bad experience, negative self-beliefs and feelings are typical symptoms after traumatic experiences. EMDR is known for the successful treatment of stressful experiences and trauma (PTSD).
Anxiety:
In the case of excessive fears or specific anxiety, EMDR can help to process anxiety-provoking memories and to treat fears about the future.
Emotional stress:
EMDR can be used for depression and other emotional distress, especially if these are linked to past stressful experiences.
Somatic diseases:
Many physical complaints are associated with emotional and psychological stress. EMDR addresses all the stresses that exist due to the somatic illness.
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EMDR for children 0+ and adolescents
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EMDR is successfull in the treatment of children and adolescents from newborn age.
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In addition to treating a bad experience, the use of EMDR in children is also helpful for behavioral problems, fear/anger and attachment disorders, which can be the result of a traumatic experience. Ultimately, however, it is not about the cause, but about treating the stressful effects in daily life.
EMDR treatment is very special after a birth experience that was traumatic for the mother and/or child . EMDR treatment gives both mother and child the opportunity to process the stressful experiences together. Both are equally involved. The father or partner also has the opportunity to be part of the process.