Unlocking Healing: Exploring the Power of EMDR Therapy with Dr Rhiannon Mulcahy
Many people who come to therapy have experienced big “T” and little “t” traumas in their life. Trauma refers to an emotional response to a distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual’s nervous system and their ability to cope over time. Some traumatic experiences can seem obvious – natural disasters, war, physical or sexual abuse, or the sudden loss of a loved one. Trauma can also be more subtle and chronic – bullying, a toxic relationship, or an unavailable and / or dysregulated parent.
The impact of trauma can be long-lasting and can affect various aspects of a person’s life, including their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Symptoms of trauma can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, amnesia, poor memory and concentration, hypervigilance, avoidance, and difficulty forming and maintaining relationships.
Fortunately, there are various therapeutic approaches available to help individuals heal from traumatic experiences. One such approach that has gained significant recognition and success is Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). In this blog, we will explore the concept of EMDR, its effectiveness, and how it can help individuals overcome trauma.
Understanding EMDR:
EMDR is a psychotherapy technique developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It is based on the idea that traumatic experiences can overwhelm the brain’s natural processing mechanisms, stopping them from being processed into memory.
Instead, these memories and associated nervous system responses remain easily activated and arise in the form of distressing symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts. EMDR utilises the brain’s existing capacity to heal itself by ‘kickstarting’ the brain’s innate ability to reprocess the memories and integrate them into memory storage which can then allow for the development of healthier cognitive framework – that is, being able to see the past with fresh eyes and without the previous level of distress.
How Does EMDR Work?
After a period of assessment and preparation, the EMDR therapist supports the client to activate two regions of the brain simultaneously – the part that holds the traumatic experience and working memory (which is attention). The neural networks that store the trauma are stimulated by the client holding a specific distressing memory in mind including the associated emotions, beliefs and body sensations. Working memory, or attention, is activated simply by the task of watching the therapist move their fingers back and forth across the client’s visual field. The subsequent eye movements are like those in REM sleep. Sometimes a bar with moving light, alternating tactile buzzers, or auditory tones can be used.
The eye movements (or other bilateral stimulation) will last for a short while, about 1 min, and then stop. The therapist will then ask you to briefly describe the experiences you have had during the bilateral stimulation. Experiences can vary for every person and may include changes in thoughts, images, feelings and body sensations. 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 as the nervous system is supported to move out of “high alert” and is no longer so easily triggered into fight, flight or freeze.
The Efficacy of EMDR:
Numerous research studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of EMDR in treating trauma-related disorders, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). EMDR has been found to be as effective as other evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), in reducing PTSD symptoms. Furthermore, research has shown that the benefits of EMDR are long-lasting, with individuals maintaining their improvements even years after treatment. An additional feature of EMDR is that positive results for some people can be achieved relatively quickly in relation to talking focused therapies.
Applications of EMDR:
While EMDR is widely recognised for its effectiveness in treating PTSD, its applications extend beyond this specific disorder. EMDR has been successfully used to address anxiety disorders, phobias, depression, addiction, grief and even performance enhancement. It can also be beneficial for individuals seeking personal growth and self-improvement.
Conclusion:
EMDR is a revolutionary therapy approach that offers hope and healing to individuals who have experienced trauma. Its effectiveness in treating trauma-related disorders, such as PTSD, has been well-documented through research and supported by numerous success stories.
Remember, if you or someone you know is struggling with trauma, seeking professional help from a qualified EMDR therapist can be a significant step towards healing and reclaiming a fulfilling life.
At CQ Psych Services we have several therapists who have trained in EMDR who can offer an assessment of suitability for this type of approach. For more information, or to book an appointment, please phone (07) 4972 6929 or email admin@cqpsychservices.com.au
How to Access a Psychologist at CQ Psych Services:
- Contact us directly by calling 07 4972 6929 or email admin@cqpsychservices.com.au
- Ask your GP or health professional to refer you to our clinic.
- Come in and see our friendly staff at Shop 1 & 2, 13 Tank Street, Gladstone QLD 4680.
- Visit our website and complete a ‘Request an Appointment’ form and one of our friendly staff will reply to your enquiry. Website: https://cqpsychservices.com.au/
Author: Dr. Rhiannon Mulcahy
Clinical Psychologist
