Life can be unpredictable and full of ups and downs. Sometimes these ups and downs take a toll on our mental health leaving some of us with symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other conditions.
While there are many traditional therapies such as CBT and talk therapy, sometimes they may not be enough to help alleviate symptoms. This is why therapists have turned to newer, innovative treatments like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. In this blog post, we will explore 5 advantages of EMDR therapy.
Contents
Shorter treatment time
Traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) often requires long treatment time, sometimes stretching up to years. EMDR therapy, however, can be one of the quickest forms of psychotherapy that yields desirable results in lesser time. Typically, the therapy can take up to 6 to 10 sessions, making it a much shorter treatment plan.
Less intimidation and talking
For some individuals, traditional talk therapies can be intimidating and outright daunting. EMDR therapy, on the other hand, has a lower threshold for verbal communication. Patients are encouraged to let their therapist guide them through the therapy process instead of talking a lot themselves.
Lessened potential for retraumatization
Regular talk therapy might include delving into negative emotions and experiences which could lead to trigger retraumatization. The EMDR therapy process, however, acknowledges and addresses painful experiences but focuses more on desensitizing them in a much more manageable manner, instead of a full immersion.
More patient control
Unlike traditional talk therapies, where the therapist designs the treatment plan, EMDR therapy involves a collaborative approach between the patient and therapist. The patient has more control over treatment and the process is designed around the unique needs and experiences of the patient.
Builds on the Mind-Body Connection
EMDR is one of the few psychotherapies that doesn’t solely rely on the cognitive aspect of the mind. It also involves the body, encouraging patients to focus on physical sensations of the trauma or anxiety. EMDR combines cognitive and somatic therapies to help alleviate symptoms in a non-invasive manner.
Conclusion:
EMDR therapy has been found to be an effective treatment plan for individuals struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. It’s efficient, more patient-centered, and has a high degree of success in less time. EMDR is undoubtedly a game-changer, breaking down traditional therapy barriers, all while focusing on patients and utilizing unique methods to improve outcomes. EMDR therapy is a beneficial option to explore if you are looking to take a proactive approach to your mental and emotional health.