Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a revolutionary treatment that uses eye movements to help you cope with and overcome distressing and traumatic memories. At Spectrum Behavioral Health LLC, the team of trained clinicians uses this evidence-based method to help clients with debilitating mental health disorders get their lives back. In-person and virtual visits are available, so call the Green Bay, Wisconsin, office or book your appointment online now.
request an appointmentWhat is EMDR?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is an alternative method of mental health therapy.
In EMDR, specific rapid eye movements help you process and heal from traumatic memories. EMDR is best known for its remarkable results in people who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and has also shown positive effects for people who struggle with:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Anger management problems
- Substance use disorder
EMDR allows you to access traumatic memories in a controlled way. Using specific eye movements and your experienced clinician’s guidance, you can reprocess those memories, which triggers healing.
This method of treatment is clinically proven and evidence-based, with many major studies proving that it’s a highly effective strategy for healing.
According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, most PTSD sufferers who complete weekly EMDR treatments for 1-3 months experience a significant improvement in their condition.
Many veterans who tried EMDR experienced fewer symptoms within just a few sessions. PTSD is historically challenging to treat, so this remarkable result demonstrates its enormous potential.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR sessions are available both in person and through virtual appointments at Spectrum Behavioral Health LLC. During EMDR, your clinician helps you focus on a distressing memory and then makes specific movements with their hands that you follow with your eyes.
Or, you might follow the movement of a light bar instead. The goal is the same: moving your eyes to follow the target while you keep a certain memory or feeling in your mind.
These eye movements help to reduce distress, lower reactivity symptoms, and unlock mental blockages connected to the memory in question. If you become uncomfortable, your clinician can quickly guide you into a safe space.
How does EMDR compare to talk therapy?
EMDR and talk therapy are both valuable treatment tools for people with mental health problems. Either type of therapy might be best suited to your particular situation.
In general, EMDR or another eye movement technique called brainspotting might be right for you if you need to deal with trauma and want the fastest results possible. These techniques are helpful for many people who didn’t get the results they needed from talk therapy, medication, or other treatment methods.
If you want to learn more about EMDR, call Spectrum Behavioral Health LLC or book an appointment online today.