EMDR Therapy Central Coast NSW
EMDR is an evidenced based form of therapy that has been found to be effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). EMDR therapy can also be effective in treating attachment wounding, which is the result of negative experiences in childhood that affect a person’s ability to form healthy attachments in adulthood. Attachment wounding can lead to a variety of problems, including anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. EMDR therapy can help a person to reprocess negative experiences from childhood and develop healthier ways of relating to others. Alpha Psychological Solutions offers EMDR therapy on the Central Coast with psychologists experienced in this technique.
How does EMDR Therapy work?
EMDR therapy works by accessing traumatic memories that are stored in the brain in a fragmented way.
When a person experiences a traumatic event, the brain does not process the experience in the same way it processes normal memories. This is because we become overwhelmed and lack the personal resources to manage the traumatic event in that moment.
Instead, the memory becomes “stuck” in the person’s mind, and the associated emotions and sensations can be triggered by reminders of the trauma, causing a host of mental health problems including flashbacks, avoidance, depression, and anxiety.
EMDR therapy works to reprocess these memories and integrate them into a person’s normal memory network, reducing the distress associated with the traumatic experience.
What can I expect in an EMDR Therapy session?
During an EMDR therapy session, a trained therapist will help you to explore the emotions, thoughts, and behaviour that are associated with the memories and experiences that are causing you distress.
Don’t worry, you do not need to discuss your trauma in detail. This is not talk therapy. You will simply need to be able to recall the trauma and notice how your body responds in the moment as the therapist guides you through a series of bilateral stimulation (often asking you to follow their fingers or a light, tapping, or auditory stimulation).
The therapist will also help you develop positive memory associations through the use of imagery and emotion regulation techniques. This will stimulate the brains natural healing power as more positive and adaptive neural networks are formed.
How many sessions are involved in EMDR Therapy for trauma or PTSD?
EMDR therapy has been found to be effective for significantly relieving the symptoms of PTSD and attachment wounding in around 4 to 5 sessions. For more complex trauma, more sessions are recommended.
Visit the Alpha online calendar to schedule a free introductory call with one of our EMDR Therapists on the Central Coast, NSW.