EMDR & Trauma

What is EMDR and how does it work?


EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It allows people to heal from trauma and life experiences that cause them distress. It is a research based method that has been thoroughly tested and has been shown to be effective to treat many different kinds of issues, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), trauma, abuse, bullying, and so much more. It is a method of treatment that can be used for all ages and is being implemented in many different ways as more research is done. 

One benefit of EMDR is typically reduced time in therapy. What we know is that our brains tend to healing and balance and when a traumatic event occurs there is a block in our brain's processing that can cause a great deal of distress. Sometimes people may develop coping mechanisms that make things seem better, but still experience symptoms of trauma response. When EMDR is used it allows the client to address trauma in a safe manner, no matter how old the trauma, so that they can remove the block and their brain so that healing can continue as it naturally would. 

Our Cedar Park therapists guide the client through a several stage process in a very scripted manner but not before setting up healthy coping mechanisms and tools to manage distress should they be needed at any time. The therapist guides the client through setting up a target issue and helps them identify what they need to focus on during the process. The therapist then generates bilateral stimulation by moving their fingers side to side having the client follow their fingers with just their eyes. Other methods such as lights, tappers held in the palm of the hand and even headphones can be used instead of the finger movement if the client is more comfortable with another method.

​This is a very short and basic description of EMDR. We are happy to talk with you more about this if you think you are interested. Most of the therapists at Austin Counseling and Trauma Specialists are trained in this method. You can find out if the therapist you prefer at our center in Cedar Park, Texas is trained by reading the information in their profile under the About Team Members tab. 

Cedar Park

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Austin Trauma Counseling


Trauma is a deeply disturbing or distressing event, as defined by a dictionary and can be emotional, physical and/or sexual. Because it is something that is perceived as disturbing or distressing, that means that trauma is defined by the perception of the individual experiencing the situation. What some find disturbing or distressing may not be so for another. For example, some people may consider divorce traumatic while others a relief. Other events are more universal, like homicide or a terror incident.


The result of trauma and crisis can be stress, worry, withdrawal, hyper vigilance, hypersensitivity, depression, anxiety, anger, dissociation flack backs, suicidality, headaches, relationship issues and so much more. In fact, nearly any response can be a normal reaction to traumatic event. Additionally, trauma can compound, meaning, more traumatic experiences can stack upon one another, possibly worsening symptoms.

 

Healing is partly dependent on one's healthy coping mechanisms. Those who turn to drugs and alcohol to cope cover up the trauma and are not gaining the healing they desire, but those who turn to support and healthy coping will more easily find healing. For the record, we are not calling the healing easy! Austin therapy is one way to assist in healing from trauma. It can help return balance, feelings of safety, and pre-trauma level of functioning. 
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