EMDR Therapy: A Powerful Tool for Stress Management and Healing
For decades, talk therapy has been just one tool in the toolbox of mental health treatment. However, with recent innovations in the mental health world, a new targeted form of therapy is helping those who have suffered from significant trauma, stress, and even PTSD. EMDR therapy is changing the game for people seeking a more in-depth form of treatment.
Self-Care Simplified is helping lead the charge on this innovative and next-generation type of psychotherapy in Atlanta, Georgia. With our experienced therapists, your open mind, and this form of therapy, you can finally move past trauma and into a more fulfilling life. Are you ready to learn more?
EMDR Therapy and You
You’re forgiven if you have never heard of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy before. It has only become an approved and significantly more effective form of treatment for people who need help rewiring their brains after exceptionally traumatic experiences, such as childhood trauma, experiences in war zones, and life-altering events in adulthood.
So, how does it work? EMDR therapy is a guided practice with a trained therapist that involves remembering the specific distressing memories while activating the mind with bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or sound. This dual focus enables your mind to reprocess these harmful and painful memories, integrating them more fully into your reality.
The goal of EMDR therapy is to help make your traumatic experiences less powerful and more part of your life than something you’ve compartmentalized and tried to avoid. From regular folks to veterans, we’re here to help you with this unique form of therapy.
FAQs
Of course, there are plenty of questions out there about EMDR therapy. Luckily, we have answers to many of them here!
What Goes into a Typical EMDR Session?
A typical EMDR session begins with a brief check-in and discussion of your goals and current emotional state. The therapist helps you identify a specific memory, thought, or trigger to focus on. While recalling that experience, you engage in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds. Throughout the process, the therapist helps you notice thoughts, emotions, and body sensations. Sessions usually end with grounding techniques to help you feel calm and stable.
Is EMDR Typically Covered by Insurance?
Yes! In most cases, EMDR therapy can be covered by your insurance plan. Of course, you’ll need to check out your plan to see if there are any caveats, such as co-pays or co-insurance issues, but many of our patients pay very little for this revolutionary form of therapy.
Does EMDR Help with Cortisol Levels?
Absolutely. If you’re unaware, the body releases a hormone called cortisol as a form of reliable stress relief. However, too much cortisol production can lead to other issues. Luckily, EMDR helps the brain reprocess these experiences, decreasing feelings of fear, anxiety, and overwhelming emotions. As the nervous system becomes more regulated and stress reactions lessen, cortisol production may decrease, supporting improved mood, better sleep, enhanced focus, and overall emotional well-being.
What Should I Not Do After an EMDR Session?
Processing remains the most valuable thing to do after any EMDR session. However, it’s best to avoid rushing back into intense work, difficult conversations, alcohol, drugs, or overstimulating activities if you feel emotionally tender. Do not dismiss fatigue, vivid dreams, or lingering emotions, as these can be part of the brain’s processing. Avoid judging your progress too quickly or forcing yourself to analyze everything right away. Instead, give yourself time to rest, hydrate, journal if helpful, and use grounding techniques recommended by your therapist after each session.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
Self-Care Simplified has already helped hundreds of our patients reprocess their traumatic experiences using the power of EMDR therapy in Atlanta, GA. When you’re ready to take the leap, contact us to schedule an appointment. We’re ready to help!