The last few years have seen an increasing interest in EMDR Therapy in Dallas as one of the few treatments which can help resolve trauma, anxiety, and other complex emotional issues. Notable pieces of evidence have increasingly positioned EMDR Therapy as one of the most important mental health treatment options in the U.S, given the fact that it is methodical and humane. EMDR Therapy is an invaluable resource for emotional stabilization and for developing coping mechanisms or building,” mental fortitude”, in the face of life’s challenges.
This is the first of a series of blogs perfectly tailored for Dallas inhabitants. Here, we will analyze the effectiveness, working mechanisms, the increasing popularity of EMDR therapy, and the reason people have chosen this alternative for healing.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Dr. Francine Shapiro developed Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in the late 1980s as one form of therapy EMDR includes psychotherapy. Originally, it was geared towards people suffering from PTSD. EMDR has since evolved to include people suffering from anxiety disorders, depression, and a host of other emotional challenges.
EMDR is built on the principle that the brain is capable of healing by itself, equally as the body heals an external injury. Though, the ability to heal mentally on one’s own is pendulated by negative coping mechanisms that result in being ‘stuck’ in an incident. EMDR applies bilateral stimulation such as guided eye movements and tapping to shift the affected brain’s emotional memories towards memories that lack emotional distress.
How is EMDR Therapy Administered?
Differing from traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require patients to dwell on their memories of trauma in depth, rather ‘reprocessing’ the memory in a secure, planned mental space.
Eight Steps of EMDR Therapy
- The therapist is needed to identify key events and assign trauma that retrains the brain towards healing.
- The patients more or less engage in activities that aid in the coping of unpleasant stimulation, in an effort to ‘emotionally escape’.
- The memories, feelings, emotions, or attachments that are older and bothering are termed as the ‘stuck’ memories.
- The clients’ distress and internal fog is calmed, the memories processed, and more and more emotional distress is absent.
- The clients, in an effort to feel mentally less or ‘empty’ feel the need to enjoy reinforced beliefs.
- The patients close their eyes and take a minute to internally focus on their body, emotions, and feelings to then share them with the therapist.
- Closure – Clients receive safety strategies and are stabilized by the end of the session.
- Reevaluation – Progress is assessed, and new goals may be set for further healing.
Why opt for EMDR Therapy in Dallas?
People from all walks of life reside in the Dallas area, with its new and expanding sectors. Each of them has their own set of challenges, both mental and physical. The Dallas region is well-populated and therefore poses the pressure. EMDR therapy in Dallas has proven invaluable in addressing the mental health concerns of the area.
Common Reasons People Seek EMDR Therapy
- Healing from Trauma – The technique has proven to be invaluable in addressing the symptoms of PTSD as the individual is able to process trauma associated with abusive childhoods as well as combat and car accidents.
- Reducing Anxiety and Panic Disorders – EMDR therapy is able to quiet the nervous system and helps with the reframing of thoughts that trigger episodes of anxiety.
- Overcoming Phobias – Clients suffering from phobias are able to approach the feared situation and are more confident because the memories which are associated with the fear that is overcome are desensitized.
- Treating Depression – EMDR is able to offer something different to what the user may be used to, and so it is of great benefit to the people who have been neglected to be prescribed EMDR therapy. Dallas residents grieving from the loss of a loved one probably hope to find inner peace. EMDR seems to help with the loss of loved ones through acceptance and EMDR therapy.
See also: Personalized Treatments for Teens LA: A Holistic, Teen-Centered Approach to Mental Health
Why Should One Attend EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy focuses on what symptoms one wants to resolve and identifies other potential related symptoms to create a comprehensive therapeutic strategy. This approach empowers the client to heal from trauma entirely and achieve the following:
- Intervals Therapy Done – EMDR clients can finish therapy in a fraction of the time when compared to clients who have to do traditional therapy.
- Healing of trauma – Traumatic memories can be a source of discomfort and pain for someone for a long time. EMDR clients explain having more emotional regulation and balance in their lives post trauma reprocessing.
- Optimization of Mental and Physical health – EMDR harmonizes cognitive and emotional responses with the unified aim of restoring the client’s sense of self.
- Clinically Proven – EMDR is one of the most thoroughly validated trauma therapies having gone through multiple pieces of research.
Sadly, I have to act out for a photo and relief of the pernicious in grave policing. Post EMDR therapy, clients show advancement in their motivational levels and self-worth, as well as improved social interactions.
Understanding How EMDR Therapy Works
Understanding how EMDR therapy works can help reduce any anxiety a person may have toward it. One session typically is from one to one and a half hours. The frequency of the sessions is once a week for as long as the client wants and finds beneficial.
In the first couple of sessions, your therapist would try to understand your history, gain your trust, and teach you basic grounding techniques. When you are ready, the reprocessing phase commences. You will try to remember certain events, and at the same time, do bilateral stimulation. With time, the strength of these memories becomes less, and more adaptive beliefs start to emerge.
EMDR is not designed to make you forget memories rather, it is designed to transform the memories into a more positive and empowering light. This shift greatly relieves you of emotional stress, and allows you to progress in life unbothered by the weights of the past.
EMDR Therapy and PTSD in Dallas
To most of the EMDR therapists in Dallas, PTSD takes the lead as the most common issue for which therapy is sought. Veterans, first responders, as well as, victims of abuse and trauma know the struggle of frequent flashbacks, nightmares, and overall anxiety. EMDR has opened a proven pathway to greatly assist these individuals in taking charge of their life again.
With Dallas’s considerable number of veterans, the area has a greater need and focus for EMDR therapy. Numerous clinics in the area have begun to integrate EMDR to their all-inclusive treatment plans for PTSD along with group sessions, CBT, and other mindfulness based practices.
Children and Adolescents EMDR Therapy
In Dallas, children and teenagers are not shielded from trauma. From overwhelming bullying, and social awkwardness, to family issues, children and teens often face challenges that negatively affect their mental health and emotional well-being well into adulthood. Similar to adults, EMDR therapy has been modified to suit clients as young as children. EMDR therapy meticulously and thoroughly addresses children’s burdens before becoming substantial grown-up issues.
Children are guided through their mental health journey using appropriate methodologies such as stories, or even EMDR structured games or activities which children are well acquainted with. Behavior, emotional and self-control and mental health all improve by well above average reports from the children’s parents post EMDR therapy.
The Quest to Find the Right EMDR Therapist in Dallas
Choosing the right therapist is vital for one’s development which is personal. With that in mind, in Dallas, here’s how one can find a credentialed EMDR therapist.
- Look for Certification – Check that the therapist has completed, and is EMDRIA approved.
- Check Areas of Focus – These specialties for therapists include trauma, family therapy, anxiety, and depression.
- Review Ratings – A therapist’s qualitative, and even quantitative effectiveness is directly proportional to the online reviews.
- Inquire on the Length of Practice – It is reasonable to ask a therapist how many years, and to what type of clients has they been practicing EMDR with.
- Understand the comfort level – It is crucial that the therapist is understanding and creates a safe environment as therapeutic rapport is important for success.
EMDR Therapy In Dallas – A Therapy Based In Hope
When you look at the trauma you underwent, the process may seem overwhelming, however, with the use of EMDR therapy, it has become common practice to use EMDR therapy for these traumas and emotional distress. Residents EMDR therapists being as they are, help is not far at all. EMDR is able to help alleviate PTSD, anxiety, depression, and unresolved grief. EMDR has the ability to help give people their peace of mind back and help them rewrite their story.
If you are taking the first crucial step, rest assured that the qualified EMDR therapists in Dallas are waiting for you.
Final Thoughts!!!
Although the path to emotional healing is personal, you do not have to walk it all on your own. Many people have transformed their lives and with the assistance of EMDR therapy in Dallas, have let go of a lot of burden they have felt from the traumas they have experienced to embrace a better tomorrow.
Choosing a path is important and with EMDR, healing, de empowerment, resilience, growth, and prosperity is guaranteed. There is an abundance of qualified therapists in the area which suggest that you do not have to look a long way. The first step to your recovery can be completed in Dallas EMDR therapy.
