EMDR for Trauma Therapy

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EMDR: Effective, Evidence-Based Trauma Treatment

You’ve been traumatized and don’t know who to trust. Healing feels nearly impossible, but you know there is still at least a little bit of hope. At this point, you’ll be willing to try anything to make this feel better. Maybe you’ve even heard of EMDR from TV or a friend, but aren’t sure what to expect.

There are many different ways for therapists to treat trauma. One of the most effective and popular ways to address trauma is EMDR. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is an approach that has been researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma.

“EMDR therapy shows that the mind can, in fact, heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma.” ~ The EMDR Institute

The experience of EMDR will vary by individual. But, you can read more about the general process and ask your therapist for more information. Trauma is not fair. It isn’t deserved. Most of all, trauma is not your fault. When you are ready to share your story, we are ready to hear it.

Why EMDR for Trauma Therapy? 

Imagine that you’ve gotten a bad cut, burn, or other wound. You’re aware of it all the time, and any time something rubs against it, pokes it, touches it, IT HURTS!! If we don’t properly treat that wound, it’s not going to heal, and it’s going to continue to hurt. But, if we give that wound the right treatment, it can begin to heal. You may look down one day and notice that it’s starting to get better and it doesn’t hurt as much. Or it’s not as tender when it’s bumped. Then, in the end, you may look down and see the wound is gone, now there is only a scar. You remember that it happened, but it no longer hurts you.
The goal of EMDR is to do the same thing emotionally. You will still remember the event that happened, and may still have reminders of it that come up in your life, but you will not feel the intense emotional pain of that event. Even though many people assume they can not recover after traumatic experiences,  EMDR has proven to be effective in helping people heal in just a few sessions!

EMDR has been recognized as an effective treatment for PTSD by the World Health Organization, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the American Psychiatric Association.

Traumatic memories sometimes get stuck in our feelings and in our bodies, rather than the thinking part of our brain. EMDR can help break up memories and shift them to where they belong. This trauma therapy technique involves a combination of free association and some form of bilateral stimulation. Essentially, EMDR helps you unlock the mind’s own capacity to heal.

Our therapists will help you understand the process

Most clients have heard about EMDR, but are unfamiliar with how the process works. It is very normal for clients to feel nervous or reluctant to engage in the process, mostly because it is very different than any other way of working. To alleviate some of this anxiety, we provide education about the different phases of EMDR and develop an individual “target plan” for each client that best accommodates their needs.

CAN EMDR HELP YOU?

“My hope is that my clients leave each EMDR session feeling grounded after engaging in the work and with the belief that they are making progress in their journey for healing.”
–Kaycee, Northside Mental Heath Therapist 

EMDR is a highly effective treatment that can help people struggling with a wide range of issues:

  • Grief and loss
  • Negative self-talk
  • Neglect & abandonment
  • Sexual assault, violence, and abuse
  • PTSD and other trauma and stress-related issues
  • Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
  • Chronic illness and medical issues

While EMDR can help with many different mental health concerns including those listed above, it’s most widely known as trauma therapy.  

IS EMDR SAFE? YES!

Busy street view after someone has experienced trauma and needs EMDR trauma treatment in Indianapolis, IN 46220

We will NOT begin EMDR unless our therapists am sure that you are ready and able to manage the feelings and sensations that may arise for you.

You’re tired of the way things have been. Feeling stuck, but finally ready to move forward. But, it’s just not totally clear where to start. Will anything actually work for the intense feelings in your body?

EMDR reduces, and often eliminates, these symptoms:

  • abrupt mood swings
  • rage reactions/temper tantrums
  • feelings of shame. sleep difficulties
  • intrusive thoughts/flashbacks
  • attraction to dangerous situations
  • inability to love/nurture/bond
  • amnesia/forgetfulness
  • frequent crying
  • nightmares/night terrors
  • inability to make commitments
  • depression, feelings of impending doom
  • diminished interest in life
  • feelings of detachment and isolation
  • exaggerated emotional and startle responses.

Does EMDR Therapy Really Work?

PTSD - post traumatic stress disorder. Mental health issue. Word cloud sign with the words "PTSD. Survivor. Trauma. Danger. Sexual Assault. Domestic Violence. and more for survivors of violence in Indianapolis, IN

We use this technique because it works. It helps people get unstuck. With therapy at Northside Mental Health, we will help resolve issues where you’ve felt stuck for a long time and move forward with renewed confidence.

​EMDR has had more published case reports and research to support it than any other method used in the treatment of trauma. In many ways, it has shown to be more effective and easier to access than hypnotherapy. It is a proven technique for working with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, self-limiting beliefs, and hard to break patterns.

READY TO START EMDR THERAPY AT NORTHSIDE?

Are you ready to get unstuck and find healing? If you are looking for the best EMDR treatment, you are in the right place.  Our therapists genuinely love working with you to find healing and hope. To begin EMDR therapy in our Indianapolis mental Health offices, start moving forward in your life, follow these steps: 

  1. Contact us to set up your first appointment.
  2. Meet with a skilled, caring EMDR therapist.
  3. Find meaningful healing from your trauma with expert treatment

OTHER COUNSELING SERVICES AVAILABLE

We are honored to work with you through your trauma. Did you know: our founder‘s original passion and experience is in eating disorder treatment and addiction recovery. We also provide support for partners and parents,  trauma therapy, sexual assault and domestic violence counseling, and hold workshops and groups for a number of issues you may be dealing with. Please reach out and let us know how we can help support you to live your best, most fulfilled life.