EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
EMDR is an evidence based therapy that works to release traumas by reformatting the memories created by a traumatic or stressful event or situation.
The body has incredible abilities to heal itself - both the mind and the body - and much of this healing occurs during the REM (rapid eye movement) cycle of sleep. Francine Shapiro developed Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in 1987, utilizing this natural process in order to successfully treat Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
What happens when you experience a traumatic event?
Your body routinely manages new information and experiences without you being aware of it. However, when you go through a traumatic or overwhelming event (e.g. a car accident) or by being repeatedly subjected to distress (e.g. childhood neglect), your natural coping mechanism can become overloaded, resulting in disturbing experiences remaining frozen in your brain or being "unprocessed".
Such unprocessed memories and feelings are stored in the limbic system of your brain in a "raw" and emotional form, rather than in a verbal “story” mode. This limbic system maintains traumatic memories in an isolated memory network that is associated with emotions and physical sensations, and which are disconnected from the brain’s cortex where we use language to store memories.
The limbic system’s traumatic memories can be continually triggered when you experience events similar to the difficult experiences you have been through. Often the memory itself is long forgotten, but the
painful feelings such as anxiety, panic, anger or despair are continually triggered in the present. Your ability to live in the present and learn from new experiences can therefore become inhibited. EMDR helps create the connections between your brain’s memory networks, enabling your brain to process the traumatic memory in a very natural way.
What can I expect in an EMDR Session? EMDR utilizes the natural healing ability of your body. After a comprehensive assessment, you will be asked specific questions about a particular disturbing memory. Eye movements, similar to those during REM sleep, will be recreated simply by asking you to watch the therapist's finger moving backwards and forwards across your visual field. Sometimes, a bar of moving lights or headphones is used instead. The eye movements will last for a short while and then stop. You will then be asked to report back on the experiences you have had during each of these sets of eye movements. Experiences during a session may include changes in thoughts, images and feelings. With repeated sets of eye movements, the memory tends to change in such a way that it loses its painful intensity and simply becomes a neutral memory of an event in the past. Other associated memories may also heal at the same time. This linking of related memories can lead to a dramatic and rapid improvement in many aspects of your life. What can EMDR be used for? In addition to its use for the treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, EMDR has been successfully used to treat: • anxiety and panic attacks • depression • stress • phobias • sleep problems • complicated grief • addictions • pain relief, phantom limb pain • self-esteem and performance anxiety Can anyone benefit from EMDR? EMDR can accelerate therapy by resolving the impact of your past traumas and allowing you to live more fully in the present. It is not, however, appropriate for everyone. The process is rapid, and any disturbing experiences, if they occur at all, last for a comparatively short period of time. Nevertheless, you need to be aware of, and willing to experience, the strong feelings and disturbing thoughts, which sometimes occur during sessions. How long does a treatment take? EMDR can be used as a focused treatment or part of a longer psychotherapy program. EMDR sessions can be for 60 to 90 minutes. What evidence is there that EMDR is a successful treatment? EMDR is an innovative clinical treatment which has successfully helped over a million individuals. The validity and reliability of EMDR has been established by rigorous research. There are now nineteen controlled studies into EMDR making it the most thoroughly researched method used in the treatment of trauma (Details on www.emdr-europe.org and www.emdr.org). It is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) as an effective treatment for PTSD.
HYPNOTHERAPY
Hypnotherapy is a technique used in psychotherapy to treat issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, sleeping issues, chronic pain, weight gain, smoking cessation, unhelpful habits, phobias, asthma etc. This mind-body approach can help you go into a more focused state of mind (called a “hypnotic state”) so you can learn more about yourself, improve your health, and change your habits and thought patterns.
How Does Hypnosis Work?
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It can draw on your ability to use your imagination to bring about helpful or healthy changes.
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The hypnotherapist can offer a therapeutic idea or suggestion while you are in a relaxed and focused state. In this state of focused attention, the effect of the idea or suggestion on your mind is more powerful. That means that you are more likely to take the helpful idea seriously and act on it in the future. This can help you reach your goals faster in your daily life.2 For example, if the hypnotherapist offers the suggestion that you can stop smoking during hypnosis, this may improve your chances of being able to stop.
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Hypnosis can help quiet your mind. This may help you uncover useful hints from the past or from the subconscious, because you can remember better or look more deeply at how you think. In turn, this can help make the treatment more effective in a shorter amount of time. For example, if you have trouble sleeping, it might be easier to figure out why, because you can access other parts of your brain.
Hypnotherapy can draw on your ability to use your imagination to bring about helpful or healthy changes
Some Myths About Hypnotherapy
If you watch a hypnotist perform onstage at a public event, you may have the idea that hypnosis takes away a person’s control. That is not true. During a hypnosis session, you stay in charge of your mind and body. You will not be asleep, and you will not be forced to do anything against your will. In fact, all forms of hypnosis are considered self-hypnosis. With practice, most people can reach a hypnotic state without anyone’s help.
What can I expect during a hypnosis session?
The session usually begins with a relaxation exercise, followed by an induction technique. An induction technique is a series of steps that can help you enter a state of hypnosis, of deeper relaxation and focus. For example, you may be asked to imagine yourself in a relaxing, safe, and healing environment. Once your mind and body are deeply relaxed, the next step is to focus your attention on a specific wish or goal. You may wish to focus on a specific health concern that is affecting your well-being. At the end of the session, the therapist will gently guide you back to the present moment.
Are there any risks?
In general, hypnosis is very safe in the hands of a trained provider. It is not recommended for patients who have severe mental illness. Side effects of hypnosis are rare. They can include things like a headache, feeling sleepy or dizzy, or feeling anxious or stressed. In very rare cases, false memories can be created. False memories are thoughts that seem like memories, of things that didn’t actually happen.
An upsetting, traumatic, or difficult image may surface during hypnosis. If that happens, let your hypnotherapist know. He or she is trained to help guide you through challenges. If you have concerns, ask questions and talk with them ahead of time.
It is always a good idea to check with your health care team before deciding if hypnosis is right for you.
Book an Appointment Today
Don’t let the challenges continue or get worse, things can improve with help. Our team of experienced therapists are here to support you through both virtual and in person sessions.
If you are considering EMDR or Hypnotherapy, we encourage you to reach out to us today to book a 20 minute no charge consultation call, a first session or to discuss any questions you may have.
