Living with trauma, especially of the complex variety, feels like something you may never learn to overcome. Somedays, it may feel like the healing process is one step forward and two giant steps back. The healing process is not linear, and you should not expect yourself to get over a difficult trauma immediately.
However, there are steps you can take that you may have yet to explore. Seeking out therapy or a new form you have not tried before may be the key to releasing your trauma. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is one of the steps you can take. To learn more about EMDR and how it fits in with your complex trauma, keep reading.
Taking a Closer Look at Complex Trauma
You have likely heard of trauma, but what makes trauma complex? First, let’s establish who can have complex trauma. While almost anyone can develop it at some point, one of the key parts of complex trauma is the way it develops over a long period of time. This means individuals who have experienced childhood trauma are most susceptible to complex trauma.
One instance of trauma is bad enough, but living through multiple traumatic events is what leads to complex trauma. The combination of the multiple traumas and the time it takes to receive treatment for them leads to complex trauma. This means that it is deeply rooted in your brain by the time you are able to receive the appropriate attention you deserve.
What is EMDR, Exactly?
Now that we have a definition of complex trauma, we can dive into treatment paths. EMDR is a type of therapy proven to be incredibly effective when it comes to treating different mental health concerns. It involves stimulation of the client’s eyes through an external device, causing your eyes to move rapidly. Yes, moving your eyes can help your mental health healing journey.
But why does this work? Think about having a difficult conversation on the phone. By the time the phone call wraps up, do you ever find that you have started doodling in the midst of the conversation? Believe it or not, this is similar to how EMDR works. Physical stimulation is a great way to distract the brain, allowing you to speak more freely. This is known as bilateral simulation, the key principle on which EMDR is built.
Benefits of Practicing EMDR
There are dozens of benefits to practicing EMDR. Like every method of therapy, EMDR will grant you the ability to have higher self-esteem and lower your risk of depression, among other things. However, there are some specific EMDR benefits, including:
- Reduction of chronic pain: Bilateral simulation is also proven effective in reducing the effects of chronic pain. It allows the brain to relax more, which can benefit your mind and body.
- Quick results: Although each case is different, many people begin to see a noticeable change in themselves after three EMDR sessions. However, it is not a race! You can heal at your own pace.
- Minimal amount of talking: Unlike other forms of talk therapy, in EMDR, you do not have to discuss every aspect of your traumas. This is great, especially for those who have a difficult time opening up.
EMDR and Complex Trauma Together
While different forms of therapy work on different levels for everyone, EMDR therapy is specifically tailored to overcoming trauma. This means if you are living with complex trauma, this is a route I highly encourage you to learn more about.
If you are curious about exploring EMDR therapy, I would love to talk to you. I am a specialist in the field. Reach out today to schedule an appointment or chat more about the subject. I look forward to guiding you toward a happier, healthier life.
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