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EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
in San Antonio, Texas
Experiencing trauma can leave deep emotional scars that disrupt your daily life, making it challenging to find peace and happiness. The constant replay of distressing memories, feelings of anxiety, and difficulty in managing relationships can feel overwhelming. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy offers a beacon of hope, providing a structured yet compassionate approach to help you process and heal from these painful experiences. Through EMDR, you can reduce the emotional impact of traumatic memories and reclaim control over your life, paving the way for lasting recovery and inner tranquility.
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At Fit Therapy of Texas, our team of licensed professional counselors is dedicated to guiding you on this journey of healing. Utilizing the power of EMDR, we tailor our therapeutic approach to meet your unique needs, helping you effectively process trauma and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Our compassionate and experienced counselors provide a safe and supportive environment, empowering you to confront and overcome your past. With Fit Therapy of Texas, you can embark on a transformative path towards emotional well-being and a more fulfilling life. Learn how EMDR can work for you.
About Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
in San Antonio, Texas
The human brain can naturally heal from traumas, anxiety, and depression. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a type of therapy that helps the brain do this. EMDR works by targeting the stress caused by traumatic or unpleasant memories and removing the "blockage" that stops the brain from healing. During EMDR, patients focus on a specific memory while also doing bilateral or dual stimulation, like moving their eyes in a certain way. This helps the brain reprocess the memory, making it less distressing and allowing the brain to heal naturally, leading to better emotional health.
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EMDR may be right for you if you struggle with persistent negative memories, anxiety, or depression that interfere with your daily life. If traditional therapy methods haven't worked for you, or if you feel stuck in your healing process, EMDR could be beneficial. It's also suitable for people who have experienced trauma and want a structured, supportive approach to healing. Consulting with a licensed therapist at Fit Therapy of Texas can help determine if EMDR is the right path for your healing and recovery.
Phases of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) at Fit Therapy of Texas
EMDR therapy has eight stages to guide your healing. You can expect to schedule a series of sessions to address PTSD or other mental health disorders.
8 Phases of EMDR Treatment:
1. History & Treatment Planning
Discuss client's past and make a treatment plan focused on healing traumatic events. Check the client's strengths and support system.
4. Desensitization
Begin eye movements, tapping, or using other bilateral stimulation (BLS) while thinking about the traumatic event. Continue reducing client's distress level drops to zero (or one if appropriate), and let any new thoughts, images, feelings, and sensations come up.
7. Closure
Help the client feel calm in the present moment, even if the reprocessing isn't finished yet. Reprocessing is complete when the client feels neutral about the event (no distress), believes the positive thought fully, and has no physical discomfort related to it.
2. Preparation
Develop a trusting relationship with the client. Explain how EMDR therapy works and what to expect. Answer any questions and address any concerns client might have. Teach client techniques to manage any emotional distress that may come up during therapy.
5. Installation
Strengthen a positive belief that the client wants to associate with the target event until it feels completely true.
8. Reevaluation
At the start of each new session, the therapist and client talk about the memories they recently worked on to make sure they are still less stressful and the positive thoughts are strong. They also decide on what to work on next and the direction for future treatment.
3. Assessment
Identify the event to reprocess, including the images, beliefs, feelings, and sensations. Set initial measures as baselines before reprocessing: Subjective Units of Distress (SUD) and Validity of Cognition (VOC).
6. Body Scan
The client is asked to think about the event and the positive belief while scanning their body from head to toe. Client will then use dual attention stimulation (like eye movements) to process any remaining discomfort.
What Happens During Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy Session at Fit Therapy of Texas
During EMDR therapy at Fit Therapy of Texas, our skilled therapists work closely with you to identify a specific target problem you wish to address in therapy. Together, you will focus on the most disturbing aspects of the problem, including what you saw, felt, and heard, as well as the thoughts and beliefs you currently hold about the targeted event.
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The therapist then initiates the bilateral stimulation process, using eye movements, taps, or sounds based on the your preference, while you concentrates on the disturbing event. During this time, you are encouraged to notice any thoughts or feelings that arise and to "go with it" without trying to control the direction or content of your thoughts. The therapist continues to guide and check in with you frequently throughout this process.
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By the end of the session, you will report a significant decrease in the level of disturbance you feel about the targeted event. The therapist ensures that you feel supported and will help you pause if the processing is incomplete, continuing to guide them through your healing journey. With the expert care of Fit Therapy of Texas, you can find relief from the emotional burdens of trauma and move towards a healthier, more balanced life.