EMDR for PTSD Murray UT

Have you ever felt like you're stuck in a moment from your past? Like a movie scene playing on a loop in your head, one that you can't turn off. You're driving down the street, and suddenly a loud noise sends your heart racing, your palms sweating, and you feel that old, familiar panic. It's exhausting, isn't it? Feeling like you're constantly on high alert, waiting for the other shoe to drop. What if I told you there's a way to quiet that noise, to finally feel safe in your own skin? That's what EMDR therapy can do. It's not about erasing the past, but about changing the way your brain holds onto it. In this article, I'm going to share three incredible ways EMDR can help you break free from the grip of trauma and start living your life again. I remember a client who came to me after a car accident. He was a confident, outgoing person before the crash, but afterward, he was a bundle of nerves. He avoided driving, had trouble sleeping, and was constantly irritable with his family. After a few EMDR sessions, it was like a weight had been lifted. He started driving again, he was sleeping through the night, and he was able to reconnect with his loved ones. It was a powerful reminder of how resilient we can be, with the right support.

1. Unlink Traumatic Memories from Danger Signals

When something traumatic happens, our brains can get stuck in "danger mode." The memory of the event gets linked to all sorts of triggers, sounds, smells, even feelings, that weren't dangerous before. It's like your brain's alarm system has gone haywire. EMDR helps to reset that system. Through a process called bilateral stimulation, which is a fancy way of saying we use side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps, we help your brain reprocess the traumatic memory. It's like defragmenting a computer's hard drive. The memory doesn't disappear, but it gets filed away in the right place, so it no longer triggers that intense fight-or-flight response. For a more detailed explanation of how this works, you can read more on the subject. The National Institute of Health says that Psychotherapy can be a very effective tool.

2. Restore Your Sense of Safety and Control

Living with PTSD can feel like you're constantly looking over your shoulder. You might startle easily, have nightmares, or feel on edge all the time. This is because your nervous system is stuck in a state of high alert. EMDR helps to calm your nervous system down. As the traumatic memories are reprocessed, the emotional charge attached to them fades. You'll start to notice that you're not as jumpy, that you can sleep more soundly, and that you feel more in control of your reactions. It's an incredibly empowering feeling to realize that you're no longer at the mercy of your past. The Mayo Clinic has a great article on the symptoms of PTSD.

3. Empower Yourself to Move Forward with Confidence

Trauma can make your world feel very small. You might find yourself avoiding people, places, or activities that remind you of what happened. This is a natural way to protect yourself, but it can also hold you back from living a full and happy life. EMDR can help you reclaim the parts of your life that you've lost. By neutralizing the power of the traumatic memories, you'll feel more confident and able to engage with the world again. It's not about forgetting what happened, but about being able to remember it without being overwhelmed by it. You can start to build a future that's defined by your hopes and dreams, not by your past. For more on the topic of post-traumatic growth, Harvard University has a great article. If you're tired of feeling like your past is controlling your present, I want you to know that there is hope. You don't have to go through this alone. Taking that first step can be the hardest part, but it's also the most important. If you're ready to learn more about how EMDR can help you, I encourage you to reach out. You can contact us to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who shouldn't do EMDR?

EMDR is a very safe therapy but it might not be the right for for everyone. People with certain medical conditions or who are in the middle of a life crisis might need to wait to start EMDR. It is best to talk to a therapist to see if EMDR is right for you.

What are the disadvantages of EMDR therapy?

EMDR can be emotionally intense. You might feel a little drained or on edge after a session. This is a normal part of the process, and your therapist will help you manage these feelings. It is a good idea to schedule your sessions at a time when you can relax afterward.

What are the 8 phases of EMDR?

EMDR has eight phases, including history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and re-evaluation. Each phase has a specific purpose and helps to ensure that the therapy is both effective and safe. Your therapist will guide you through each phase at your own pace.