Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) is a new therapy used by healthcare experts to treat various traumatic mental health conditions.
It is one of the best treatments to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression and anxiety related to past incidents that have left a blueprint for the patient’s mental health.
This treatment does not require talking about traumatic experiences or stressful topics. It just focuses on the shift of emotions related to the incident. Financial District EMDR is unlike other treatments requiring journaling and discussing the patient’s past experiences.
How does EMDR work?
The EMDR therapy consists of eight phases that occur in different sessions. The patient usually requires three to eight sessions for a disturbing memory. On the other hand, more complex traumas can need 12 or more sessions. These sessions last upto 90 minutes
One session of the EMDR may last for multiple phases. Session 1 to session 3 usually takes place in one phase. At the same time, secession 4 to session 8 may require more phases.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the Eight phases of the EMDR.
-
Gathering patient history and information.
In this process, the health care provider asks the patient about him or her and the past. They also inquire about the traumatic memories one has been through to determine whether this treatment is suitable for you.
-
Preparation and education.
In this phase, the healthcare provider provides information to the patient about the therapy and what they must do during the process.
-
Assessment
In this session, your healthcare provider will provide you with details about the memory that you need to work on. He or she will also help you in detecting the negative thoughts that you must get rid of. Plus, the patient will also be explained to convert negative emotions into positive ones.
-
Repossession and desensitization
In this session, the healthcare provider activates the memories of the patient to help them identify the negative thoughts, images, body sensations, and feelings.
-
Installations
In this session, the patient has to focus on the positive feelings that they have to build in their memory.
-
Body Scan
In this session, the healthcare provider will help the patient to identify how they feel in their body about a traumatic incident and will help them to decrease it.
-
Closure and stabilization.
This session teaches the patients about stabilizing themselves in adverse situations. The health care provider also informs them what they must expect between the sessions.
-
Reevaluation and Continuing Care.
In this session, the patient is informed how to continue caring for their symptoms. If needed, they will be provided with additional sessions as well.
