301-806-8495 | info@dregetachew.com

New Beginnings Therapeutic Center

  • New Beginnings Therapeutic Center
  • Home
  • Meet Our Team
  • Services
    • For Individuals
      • Depression
      • Anxiety
      • Trauma
    • For Couples
  • Getting Started
    • FAQ’s
    • Investment & Insurance
    • Appointment Request
  • Blog
  • Contact

August 31, 2017 by Eleni Getachew

Why EMDR is Effective in Treating Trauma

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a therapeutic protocol used in the treatment of mental and emotional trauma. It has been widely praised in the United States and is currently used by agencies such as the American Psychiatric Association, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, and the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

Those suffering from PTSD caused by major traumas such as sexual or physical assault, combat experiences, accidents or the sudden death of a loved can benefit from EMDR therapy. Sessions work to alleviate PTSD symptoms like flashbacks and nightmares, angry outbursts, difficulties sleeping and concentrating, and feelings of depression and isolation.

Recent research has pointed to the fact that PTSD can also result from less dramatic life events, such as hurtful experiences during childhood. In some cases, these can cause even more symptoms of PTSD than major traumas like combat or terrorist attacks.

In either case, once trauma has been experienced, there is a disruption in how the brain processes information. In a “normal” brain that has not experienced a shocking event, processing systems digest information about what has been experienced and make appropriate connections. Those reactions to the event that are no longer useful, any emotions or physical sensations, are released.

However, when an individual experiences a traumatic event, this processing system is disrupted and the negative memories and emotions, as well as physical sensations and beliefs, are stored in the brain. These stored traumatic interpretations mingle with current events to color them negatively. In short, the past becomes the present.

The Benefit of EMDR Therapy

EMDR is an effective protocol to treat these unprocessed past memories that are poisoning the present. EMDR is able to remove the anxiety, fear and sadness that cause individuals to avoid or overreact to situations.

EMDR techniques allow individuals to identify early memories that are the root of their problems and change their emotions, thoughts, and even physical sensations surrounding them. These same techniques can also help people achieve desired goals by understanding why they do what they do and how they can manage life and their own behaviors better.

EMDR is used to treat a variety of issues including:

  • Panic attacks
  • Complicated grief
  • Dissociative disorders
  • Disturbing memories
  • Phobias
  • Pain disorders
  • Performance anxiety
  • Stress reduction
  • Addictions
  • Sexual and/or Physical abuse
  • Body dysmorphic disorders
  • Personality Disorders

If you or a loved one suffer from any of the above and believe you may benefit from EMDR, please contact me. I would be happy to discuss how I and this particular therapy approach might help.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: Trauma

301-806-8495
 

info@dregetachew.com
 

Spring Valley
4315 50th Street NW Suite 100 PMB 7028
Washington, DC 20016
 

Old Town
901 N Washington St #601
Alexandria, VA 22314
 

 

Online Therapy

Contact

 

301-806-8495
 

info@dregetachew.com
 

Spring Valley
4315 50th Street NW Suite 100 PMB 7028
Washington, DC 20016
 

Old Town
901 N Washington St #601
Alexandria, VA 22314
 

 

Online Therapy

Contact

 

301-806-8495
 

info@dregetachew.com
 

Spring Valley
4315 50th Street NW Suite 100 PMB 7028
Washington, DC 20016
 

Old Town
901 N Washington St #703
Alexandria, VA 22314
 

 

Online Therapy

Contact

 

301-806-8495
 

info@dregetachew.com
 

Spring Valley
4315 50th Street NW Suite 100 PMB 7028
Washington, DC 20016
 

Old Town
901 N Washington St #601
Alexandria, VA 22314
 

 

Online Therapy

Contact

 

301-806-8495
 

info@dregetachew.com
 

Spring Valley
4315 50th Street NW Suite 100 PMB 7028
Washington, DC 20016
 

Old Town
901 N Washington St #601
Alexandria, VA 22314
 

 

Online Therapy

Contact

 

Send A Message

By submitting this form via this web portal, you acknowledge and accept the risks of communicating your health information via this unencrypted email and electronic messaging and wish to continue despite those risks. By clicking "Yes, I want to submit this form" you agree to hold Brighter Vision harmless for unauthorized use, disclosure, or access of your protected health information sent via this electronic means.

Office Hours

Office Hours are Available by Request

Find My Office

Spring Valley

Old Town

Contact

Spring Valley
4315 50th Street NW Suite 100 PMB 7028
Washington, DC 20016

Old Town
901 N Washington Street #703
Alexandria, VA 22314

301-806-8495
info@dregetachew.com

A Therapist Website by Brighter Vision | Privacy Policy