EMDR therapy is a type of trauma therapy that can help people process and heal from traumatic experiences. EMDR therapy is typically done in person, but since the rise of COVID-19 there is growing interest in whether or not it can be done virtually, through a tele-health appointment.
There are many benefits to EMDR therapy, including reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. EMDR therapy can also help people to process and make peace with traumas from their past. Since it is so beneficial for a wide variety of diagnoses, the ability to conduct appointments through a virtual appointment will open the door to assist even more individuals.
EMDR Therapy: What Is It?
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a type of therapy that uses bilateral stimulation (usually eye movements) to help people process and heal from trauma. EMDR therapy has been shown to be effective in treating PTSD, and it can also be used to treat other types of trauma and mental health conditions.
One of the biggest factors that makes EMDR therapy different from other CBT therapies is that it does not require extensive talking about the traumatic event that you faced. It focuses on allowing your brain to continue its natural healing process as it works through unprocessed traumatic events. It is praised for being a faster result than other therapy options without requiring medications or invasive procedures.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR therapy is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy. EMDR therapy is based on the notion that our brains are wired to process information in a certain way. EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation, which is repetitive stimulation of the brain’s left and right sides, to help the brain process information in a different way. Using the eye movements of the patient, they are able to diminish the severity of the memories of the event – the ones that cause the adverse responses.
Sessions can last up to an hour and a half. While you recall the traumatic event, the therapist will be moving their fingers in front of you as well as occasionally touching your hands, shoulders, or other parts of your body. The therapist records your stress levels both before and after the session to gauge its effectiveness.
There are no major side effects when it comes to EMDR therapy, and the treatment method has been used by over 20,000 practitioners since its inception in the late 1980’s. Although it was originally an in-person treatment, many practitioners have been able to accomodate online appointments following COVID-19.
Can EMDR Therapy Be Done Online?
So, can EMDR therapy be done virtually? The answer is yes! All of the benefits of EMDR therapy can be reached through a virtual appointment. Virtual EMDR appointments are just as effective as in-person EMDR appointments.
There are many advantages to doing EMDR therapy virtually. For one, it is more convenient. You can do EMDR therapy from the comfort of your own home, or from anywhere that you have an internet connection. This can be especially helpful for people who live in rural areas and live far from their treatment center, or who have a busy schedule and cannot make it to an in-person appointment.
Some people feel more comfortable discussing their trauma with a therapist online than they do in-person. This can be a great way to get the help you need without feeling like you have to share your story with someone in-person.
If you are considering EMDR therapy, either in-person or online, it is important to find a therapist that you trust and feel comfortable with. EMDR therapy is a commitment, but it can be an incredibly healing experience. With the help of a qualified therapist, you can begin to heal the trauma that you have experienced and live a more full and healthy life.
The Benefits of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy has been shown to be effective in treating trauma, anxiety, and depression. EMDR therapy can be done through a virtual visit, which is convenient for people who live in remote areas or who have busy schedules. The benefits of EMDR therapy include reducing symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and depression; improving sleep; and reducing stress. EMDR therapy can be done in as little as one session or it can be done in multiple sessions, depending on the needs of the individual. EMDR therapy is an evidence-based treatment that has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions.
Contact AlphaMind Brain Centers Today!
Are you interested in EMDR therapy, particularly through virtual sessions? Contact us here at AlphaMind Brain Centers in Cary, North Carolina! Whether you are looking for in-person or virtual appointments for your sessions, our expert therapists are able to help you decide what the best treatment plan is for you. Contact us today for a free consultation so we can get you started on improving the quality of your day-to-day life! Fill out the form below or give us a call at your convenience.
