Whether you’re dealing with , depression, , or any other form of issue, the key to success is finding the right . As any will discover, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution available. Some people find that they need a special kind of to deal with a specific , like a recurring nightmare. Others might turn to to address things like and .
or Eye Movement is a unique form of . EDMR uses an to technical and psychological or post-.
Today, we’re going to introduce you to the basics of EDMR and how it works, to help you determine whether this might be the right for you.
What is ?
is a form of called Eye Movement and . This is an interactive technique that can help with issues and symptoms. It’s an effective solution for those who have and other issues caused by a .
During an EDMR session, an expert will speak to you about a , allowing you to relive those triggering experiences in a safe and controlled environment. A will track your eye movements as you recall the .
EDMR is effective because recalling painful events is often less upsetting when your attention can be diverted. This or helps to control your responses to memories or thoughts. Eventually, the impact that the root cause of your post- has on you will be reduced.
Is Effective?
Many experts agree that using as a for and other disorders issues is an effective option. People can use for , or to overcome and . In some cases, your doctor or might recommend using with other strategies, like . This is often the case if you have .
Speaking to an can be particularly useful if you have traumatic memories but struggle to talk about your previous experiences. doesn’t have a lot of clinical research behind it yet, but many people find this strategy useful for:
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Eating disorders
- Addiction
Various studies into and for and treatments have demonstrated the effectiveness of this solution. The Department of Veterans Affairs recommends to treat post-.
One study in 2012 found that was able to support 77% of the people with disorders and . The hallucinations, , delusions, and depression symptoms that these people felt were improved significantly after . The research also found that symptoms weren’t exacerbated by the .
An older study comparing to traditional prolonged for found that was better at treating symptoms. The research also discovered that participants were less likely to drop out or feel excess and during the .
Many pieces of small research continue to find evidence that for and PSTD is useful both in the short-term and the long-term. During and immediately following the for the , the participants reported much lower symptoms of depression, , and . In six-month follow-ups, the research also recognized that participants could maintain these benefits long after had already come to an end.
In regard to the impact of on depression, one study found that in a showed significant promise in improving the symptoms of the . 68% of the people in the group showed a full remission after their .
How Does Work?
The that you work with will often have an impact on the kind of experience that you get. There are available, based on the issues that you may be facing. usually breaks down into eight different phases, which means that you will need to have multiple sessions with a professional before your is complete.
Each will follow a certain path, like so:
- planning and history: In this period, your will review your past and where you are in the process. You might need to talk about your most significant , and what caused your .
- Preparation: During the preparation phase, your will guide you through the strategies that you can use for and overcoming the and emotions that you might be experiencing. Deep breathing and mindfulness may be useful here.
- Assessment: The assessment period in your EDMR protocol will identify the specific memories that are causing your issues. You will talk about the associated components that come with those memories, such as symptoms, , and .
- : In the 4th to 7th phases of your , your EDMR will begin guiding you through exercises that ask you to focus on a negative memory. You will have to do specific eye movements to help you reprocess your thoughts and feelings. You may also have some to assist with . Following the , the professional you’re working with will request that you let your mind wander. You’ll need to pay attention to how you feel during this moment. After these thoughts are identified, you might need to refocus on a specific memory or move onto something new. If you’re distressed during an , your will help you to come back into the moment before moving forward.
- Evaluation: The final phase of your EDMR research will ask you to evaluate your progress and see how you feel compared to previous sessions. You may notice that your PSTD symptoms aren’t as severe after a while.
Can be Done Without a Trained ?
Before you consider using for your or -based issues, it’s essential to ensure you’re properly informed. Although isn’t dangerous, it’s not a good idea to address any without the help of a professional. has fewer side effects than prescription medications and other options for . However, there can be some side-effects.
For instance, might cause a sense of heightened awareness, which won’t always end at the same time that your session comes to a close. In some cases, this might lead to vivid dreams during your and periods of light-headedness. A professional will help you to manage these side effects if you have them.
A can also ensure that if you ever become distressed or upset during a period of , you can safely pull yourself back into the moment without feeling too much pain. This is why it’s always important to work with the right professional.
However, it’s also worth noting that it will take several sessions of before you feel as though your is gone, or that you have a cure for . Some people may continue to have , although they should be remarkably reduced.
Like all for , , and other issues, doesn’t work overnight. Additionally, the start of might be challenging for people initially. If you’re just starting to face traumatic events for the first time, this can be disorienting. The will be effective in the long-run, but you might find it emotionally stressful to start the at first.
If you feel nervous when you’re starting your , speak to your . They will be able to give you some insights into how you can handle the side effects and keep your emotional discomfort to a minimum.
Should You Try ?
The research into overwhelmingly suggests that this strategy is an effective way to overcome issues of and . The may also be helpful at treating other conditions like panic disorders, depression, and . Your doctor or will be able to advise you on whether this solution is suitable for you based on your situation.
Some people will prefer to prescription medications. Many drugs can sometimes come with side effects that are uncomfortable and unwanted. However, some people will also find that this kind of will increase the effectiveness of other options and medications. This could mean that you consider taking a multi-pronged approach to dealing with your condition or .
If you think that might be right for you, it’s essential to speak to a professional about your options. Different people will respond better to certain kinds of and . Discussing your background and symptoms with a professional is the only way to ensure that you’re getting the most effective support. Don’t try without professional assistance.