Have you been trying hard to heal from past trauma?
Are you suffering from an anxiety disorder, depression, or other forms of emotional distress?
Do you feel like the medications aren't working?
Then you might be thinking of EMDR therapy as your last hope.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy that alleviates the distress caused by or associated with traumatic memories.
A number of studies suggest that EMDR is incredibly beneficial for those suffering from PTSD and is more effective than trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy.
Moreover, clinical trials revealed that the treatment has a 77% success rate in alleviating trauma.
However, you should know that not all clinicians are experts in using EMDR therapy. That said, finding the right therapist is essential if you want the best results.
Without enough knowledge, training, and experience, using EMDR therapy can be ineffective and upsetting for patients.
Here are some tips on finding a quality Lakewood EMDR Therapist:
Choosing a therapist is crucial in your journey toward healing and emotional recovery.
You need to feel right about your therapist. Your therapy sessions shouldn't feel intimidating at all. Instead, you must feel safe, heard, and validated.
When looking for a Lakewood EMDR therapist, here are a few questions to ask yourself.
1) What are the therapist's credentials?
EMDR isn't just an intervention but a complete and comprehensive modality. It includes eight phases, each involving a distinct process, functionality, and method.
Hence, knowing your therapist's training level will help you gauge their experience and expertise in this modality.
Take note that not all therapists are qualified to conduct EMDR.
Research the therapist you're considering and check their background, training, and certifications. They should have at least a few years of experience in the field.
Another question is, "Does the therapist stay abreast with ongoing advanced training on EMDR?"
The field of EMDR is constantly changing and evolving. Find a therapist who keeps updated with the current research and training by attending advanced training and participating in EMDR consultations.
2) Were they able to clearly explain EMDR therapy to you?
During the initial consultation, you should be able to understand clearly the benefits of EMDR and how it can help address your issues. Hence, the first question you need to ask the therapist is, "What is EMDR therapy?".
It's a test to see how well they explain things. EMDR is a complex modality, so how well the therapist simplifies and explains it to their clients indicates how well they can explain the process to you throughout the course of your treatment.
Asking questions should also help you understand a therapist's approach to EMDR.
Some practitioners may seem rigid in their approach, while others are more relaxed. Ideally, you want someone in the middle of the road who can streamline their approach based on your needs, personality, and treatment goals.
3) What are the conditions they specialize in?
While EMDR therapy is widely known as a treatment for PTSD and other forms of psychological trauma, it is also an effective tool for other mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and even poor self-esteem.
Experience matters. Look for a therapist who specializes in treating the problems that you have. Experienced practitioners have seen the mental health issues you're facing again and again, broadening their perspective and giving them more insights.
Ask the therapist about the types of clients or mental health issues they specialize in. It's always a good idea to choose a therapist who has the experience and expertise in what you're dealing with.
During the consultation, inform the therapist about what you need or are going through. Then, factor their specializations into your decision.
4) Do I feel comfortable and safe with my therapist?
Trust is a key component in any form of psychotherapy. Studies show that a good relationship with a therapist can lead to better outcomes.
According to John C. Norcross, a certified clinical psychologist and author in psychotherapy, the therapeutic relationship is as powerful, if not more powerful, than the therapist's treatment plan.
Feeling nervous is normal when you go to your first EMDR therapy session. However, a good therapist can create a safe space where you can speak your mind, ask questions, or raise issues.
The initial consultation is the perfect time to ask technical questions, such as the frequency of payment and visits and their training and credentials.
However, it's also the best time to get a feel for how you and your therapist would work together.
Do you feel comfortable talking to them? Are they good listeners? Do they sound intimidating? Do you feel heard?
Trust your gut. You should leave the conversation feeling good about what's to come. Don't feel pressured to see a therapist just because you had a phone consultation.
Lastly, take note that credentials aren't everything. Even if the therapist has impressive background and skills, you must look for someone else if the connection doesn't feel right or you don't feel like they genuinely care.
5) Do they use other therapies besides EMDR?
Lastly, you should know if the therapist utilizes other treatments besides EMDR. This is a very important question because every client comes in with different life experiences and needs different approaches.
Some therapists incorporate mindfulness meditation techniques into EMDR. It's such an important tool that one can use to prepare for EMDR and technique clients can continue to use whenever they need.
Other therapists use EMDR with synergetic play therapy, emotional freedom technique, schema therapy, and polyvagal therapy, especially for clients suffering from complex post-traumatic stress disorder.
Talk to a Change Inc. EMDR Therapist Today
In conclusion, EMDR therapy is an evidence-based treatment for overcoming PTSD symptoms and other mental health issues caused by traumatic events or negative experiences.
It may even work for eating disorders, addiction, substance abuse, and many more.
If you want to learn more about EMDR or if you're wondering if it's the best treatment for you, give us a call.
Change Inc. is committed to providing professional care, comfort, and support to help people make positive changes and create fulfilling lives.
We have a team of highly trained EMDR therapists who offer many types of therapy including EMDR therapy using evidence-based practices.
We can match you with a member of our team of therapists best suited to help you. We can provide EMDR therapy in our comfortable, private Lakewood counseling center, or if you prefer we even offer online therapy, so you can get help from the comfort of your own home or office.
So no need to go searching for terms like EMDR therapy Lakewood or traumatic event counseling services. Just contact us today and you can start down the road to feeling better soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Can I practice EMDR on my own?
While it is possible to self-administer EDMR, it is not recommended, especially for major mental health conditions. Unsupervised EMDR at home is tied to many risks, such as worsening symptoms of disassociation, retraumatization, and intense abreactions.
Working with a trained EMDR therapist should minimize all of these risks.
2) How do I prepare for an EMDR consultation?
Many people think that on their first appointment, they will begin the EMDR. However, the first few sessions will involve starting the history intake and preparing the client for work.
Although most of the preparation will occur in therapy sessions, you can begin practicing good self-care. This includes daily relaxing activities, talking with a supportive friend or family member, or practicing breathing exercises.
3) What do you talk about during EMDR?
Unlike other forms of psychotherapy, such as trauma counseling and traditional talk therapy, you don't have to share details about your disturbing or traumatic experiences.
Instead, you will quietly hold a memory in hand, mentally visiting it in small doses. This technique stimulates self-healing, similar to when your body heals after a physical injury.
4) How do you know if EMDR is suitable for you?
EMDR is a highly effective treatment option for varying kinds of psychological conditions. However, it's not for everyone. One way to see if EMDR therapy is right for you is to know if you can tolerate your emotions.
EMDR largely depends on your mind's ability to process your thoughts and feelings. If you tend to shut down when you feel overwhelming emotions, you may not be ready yet for EMDR treatment.
Nonetheless, it doesn't mean EMDR isn't for you. It only means you have some preparation to do before you experience the full benefits of the treatment. Hence, working with the right therapist is essential.
5) How long does EMDR therapy take to work?
There is no exact answer to this, as each individual reacts differently to EMDR. Generally, EMDR is administered one to two times per week for an average of six to 12 sessions.
The length of therapy will vary, depending on the severity of your condition, the extent of past trauma, and your current life circumstances.