By Marta Hatter, LCSW — licensed clinical social worker and certified EMDR therapist with nearly three decades of experience.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR Therapy) is a treatment for trauma. Clients in many studies experience significant relief of past traumas and in a shorter time period than traditional therapies that may take years. EMDR is used to treat all kinds of traumas including: physical abuse, sexual abuse, traumatic injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and much more. The treatment is based upon the theory that distressing events overwhelm the brain. When this occurs, events may not be processed properly. EMDR therapy helps the brain complete the processing of trauma.
Symptoms of trauma
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there are many responses to a traumatic event. Most people have intense responses immediately following, and often for several weeks or even months after, a traumatic event. These responses can include:
- Feeling anxious, sad, or angry
- Trouble concentrating and sleeping
- Continually thinking about what happened
For most, these responses are normal and will lessen over time. However, in some cases, these stressful thoughts and feelings continue and interfere with everyday life.
“In a span of 6 months, I almost lost everything because of frequent panic attacks. My anxiety grew out of control and I believed fears about myself were true. After procrastinating, I sought help from Marta and she recommended EMDR. Using a scientific approach, she was able to bring out my underlying problem and help me move on. After one session of EMDR, I was cured and life feels good again. Don’t wait to get help.” John Petersen.
When to seek help
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing seems to have a direct effect on the way that the brain processes information. Following successful EMDR therapy, normal information processing is resumed. A person no longer relives the images, sounds, and feelings when the event is brought to mind. You still remember what happened, but it is less disturbing.
EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs naturally during dreaming or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Therefore, EMDR can be thought of as a physiologically based therapy that helps a person view disturbing material in a new and less distressing way. Scientific research has established EMDR as effective for post-traumatic stress. Clinicians have also reported success using EMDR therapy for the following conditions:
- Panic attacks, phobias
- Trauma
- Grief, disturbing memories
- Pain disorders
- Eating disorders, body image problems
- Performance anxiety, stress reduction
- Addictions
- Sexual and/or physical abuse
- Difficulty trusting others
- Being attracted to people who just aren’t good for you
- Feeling guilty without knowing why
- A history of being physically or emotionally abused as a child
- Self-blame, self-consciousness, shame, or guilt
- Chronic or excessive anger, sadness
- Worry, anxiety, obsessive thinking, emotional distress
- Unpleasant feelings, mood swings, or unstable emotion
- Negativity, pessimism, irritability
An individual who is working through trauma, mental health issues, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, a panic attack, negative emotions, a traumatic memory, or any other sort of mental illness may want to talk to an EMDR therapist to see if EMDR treatment with a therapist could help them in their healing.
This type of trauma therapy may not be right for every client so make sure to check with your therapist to see if EMDR therapy in Orange County is a good option for you.
As a psychotherapist, Marta is a trained therapist and qualified to provide EMDR therapy. Contact Marta to learn how she can help you overcome traumatic events or realize your peak performance potential. Marta has years of experience in individual therapy, couples counseling, and as a family therapist.
By Marta Hatter, LCSW.
She is a Certified EMDR Therapist and a member of NASW and EMDRIA. Her background also includes leadership roles in treatment programs, clinical supervision, and community education.