EMDR Therapy Colorado Springs
What if I don’t want to talk about my trauma but still want to regain control of my life?
Traumatic memories can pop up unexpectedly—and when they do, it feels like you can't control your emotions. You try to avoid situations that remind you of what happened because it feels like your memories have control over you.
Talking about trauma sounds terrifying, like it will only lead to more pain. And while facing what happened is the price to take back control of your life, it feels like the price is too high.
Often trauma happened early in life, or so long ago that you may not fully remember what you went through—you just have the mental and emotional scars to show for the experience. But if you can’t remember what happened, how can you even face it?
EMDR therapy is a tool that uses brain science to rewire trauma responses. It can be a transformational way to re-process and move through trauma.
If talk therapy hasn’t been effective in addressing your traumatic experiences, EMDR therapy may help free you from your past. It won't change what happened to you,
but it can unstick your memory and help you acknowledge the fact of trauma without feeling the overpowering emotion of its impact.
Through EMDR therapy, in Colorado Springs, you will learn how to:
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understand what is happening in your mind and your body
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know what sets off your trauma response
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know just what to do if you’re triggered
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feel like you can fully engage in your relationships again
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feel like you're in control of yourself again
You will benefit most from EMDR therapy, in Colorado Springs, if:
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you want to work through your trauma
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you know your trauma causes problems in your life
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you are interested in learning how trauma has affected your mind and body
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you have coping skills or are willing to learn them
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you are willing to practice the tools your therapist gives you on a daily basis
What is EMDR therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy that's shown to be effective in helping people process and resolve distressing memories, thoughts, and emotions. EMDR is a type of therapy that's used to address a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and phobias. It's based on the idea that when we experience a traumatic or distressing event, our brains may not fully process the experience, leading to negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. EMDR helps to resolve these negative experiences by using eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help the brain process and integrate the experience.
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One of the main ways that EMDR therapy can help someone is by providing a safe and supportive environment in which they can process and resolve their traumatic experiences. In therapy, the EMDR therapist will work with the individual to identify specific memories, thoughts, and emotions that are causing distress. The therapist will then guide the individual through a series of eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation while they think about these experiences. This process helps the brain process and integrate the experience, leading to a reduction in negative symptoms and an improvement in overall functioning.
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Another way that EMDR counseling can help someone is by providing a structured approach to processing and resolving traumatic experiences. Many people who have experienced trauma may feel overwhelmed or unsure of how to cope with their feelings and memories. The EMDR therapist provides a structured and systematic approach to processing these experiences, which can help individuals feel more in control and better able to cope with their emotions.
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In addition to its effectiveness in helping people process and resolve traumatic experiences, EMDR therapy has also been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms on a variety of mental health issues. For example, research has shown that EMDR is effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, including flashbacks, avoidance, and emotional numbing. It has also been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as improving overall functioning.
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EMDR counseling is a relatively short-term therapy, with many individuals experiencing significant improvements in their symptoms within just a few sessions. However, the number of sessions required can vary depending on the individual and the specific issues being addressed. It is important to note that EMDR therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, and it may not be appropriate for everyone. It's important to discuss with a EMDR therapist whether EMDR counseling is a good fit for your specific needs.
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Wondering about the next step in connecting with a Colorado Springs EMDR Therapist?
Colorado Springs EMDR therapy process:
EMDR therapy will help you identify the areas of life where trauma has impacted you and is currently negatively affecting your life. Your Colorado Springs EMDR therapist will help you with coping skills and lead you through practices that heal your brain so that you can adapt to what stresses you.
Each EMDR therapy session is 50 minutes long, but may be increased to 90 minutes (please note 90 minute sessions are be discussed prior to your session if the longer time is appropriate). For best results in treating trauma, we recommend at least eight consecutive weeks of EMDR counseling. We have found that clients who do not commit to weekly sessions for eight weeks struggle to find satisfaction in meeting their goals and regaining control in their lives.
EMDR therapy what to expect
Week 1:
The first week of EMDR counseling is the intake session. The intake session is focused on helping demystify the EMDR counseling process. Your EMDR therapist will go through your completed paperwork and make sure that you understand what you are consenting to in therapy. Your Colorado Springs EMDR therapist will also gather more information about you, your social, biological, and psychological history; and anything else that may be impacting your situation. Your EMDR therapist will make sure that we clearly understand your goals for therapy and have a plan moving forward.
Week 2 and THE FOLLOWING weeks:
Your Colorado Springs EMDR therapist will begin to work with you on the eight phases of EMDR therapy (note: due to the complexity of trauma work, EMDR counseling may take more than eight sessions). At the beginning of each phase, your therapist will explain the process and the goals.
Phase One: Your history and treatment planning
Phase Two: Preparation - Coping Strategies
Phase Three: Assessment
Phase Four: Desensitization
Phase Five: Installation
Phase Six: Body Scan
Phase Seven: Closure
Phase Eight: Reevaluation
Termination:
Termination is the agreed-upon ending of the therapeutic relationship once goals are achieved and takes 1 to 3 sessions, depending on your needs. EMDR therapy should free you to engage with life; your Colorado Springs EMDR therapist will work with you to determine that you feel your goals have been met and that you are satisfied with what you have worked on.