EMDR Therapy

What Is Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that focuses on addressing present concerns by targeting past emotionally-charged experiences. These past experiences may be influencing your current emotions, sensations, and thoughts. For instance, do you sometimes feel unworthy, even when you know you're a capable and valuable person?

EMDR therapy in San Antonio can help break through emotional blocks that are keeping you from leading a healthier, more adaptive life. This therapy replicates your brain’s natural processing during REM sleep, using sets of rapid eye movements to help you reprocess disturbing memories. By alternating eye movements with brief reports of what you’re noticing, EMDR updates your memories, helping you gain a healthier perspective.

EMDR therapy is effective for reducing stress and reactivity related to traumatic experiences. It can be an ideal treatment option for trauma, PTSD, acute stress disorder, panic, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), phobias, and even addiction. Additionally, EMDR can help resolve issues stemming from seemingly small but impactful moments, such as childhood experiences, that were once overlooked.

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What Makes EMDR Therapy Different?

  • Focus on Adaptive Learning: EMDR therapy focuses on the brain’s natural ability to constantly learn by updating past experiences with present information. Unfortunately, emotionally-charged experiences can interfere with this process.

  • Breaking Through the Interference: EMDR therapy helps break through this interference, allowing you to let go of the past and shift your perspective to the present.

  • Organized Emotional Processing: EMDR uses a set of structured procedures to help you process negative emotions and experiences. The therapy employs bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements or alternating taps) to help you reprocess these disturbing memories and adopt a healthier outlook.

What to Expect During an EMDR Therapy Session?

Initial Treatment Planning:
When you begin therapy, your counselor will first discuss your presenting concerns and work with you to develop a treatment plan that aligns with your goals. EMDR will be one of the approaches used to help you achieve these objectives.

  • EMDR Session Process:
    During an EMDR session, you’ll be asked a series of questions to activate the negative experience and its desired resolution. Sets of rapid eye movements (or other forms of bilateral stimulation) will be applied, allowing your brain to work through the experience. You’ll then report back on what you’re noticing, and the process will continue until the past experience is updated to a healthier, adaptive perspective. Long-standing issues may require multiple sessions to fully address.

  • Integrating New Insights:
    After disturbing experiences have been reprocessed, you and your therapist will collaborate to integrate these new perspectives into your daily life. This integration ensures that your newfound insights benefit you in a meaningful and lasting way.

Common Questions About EMDR Therapy:

Do I Have to Share All the Details?

No, it’s not necessary to disclose every detail of your experience for EMDR to be effective. EMDR therapy allows you to process memories without requiring extensive verbal recounting.

Will I Experience Strong Emotions?

Yes, it’s possible that emotions and sensations will arise during the therapy. However, your therapist will guide you through these feelings, helping you manage them in a safe and controlled way. Once processed, these emotions typically don’t return.

Is EMDR Hypnosis?

No, EMDR therapy is not hypnosis. You remain fully aware and in control during the sessions, actively participating in your treatment.

Is EMDR a Short-Term Treatment?

The duration of EMDR therapy depends on the complexity of your issues. While EMDR is often highly effective and efficient, it’s frequently combined with other therapeutic approaches to ensure your treatment goals are fully met.

Our Approach To Adult Counseling in San Antonio, TX

At Monarch Behavioral Health, we prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship with each client. We understand that opening up can be difficult, and we strive to create a non-judgmental, supportive environment where you feel safe discussing your challenges. After establishing trust, we’ll work together to explore the root of your concerns, including any past experiences that may be contributing to your current struggles. Your counselor will create a treatment plan tailored to your unique situation and support you throughout your therapy journey.

Start EMDR Therapy in San Antonio, TX

No matter where you are in life or what challenges you’re currently facing, Monarch Behavioral Health can help. Our experienced therapists offer EMDR therapy and other counseling services in San Antonio to help you move from feeling stuck to thriving. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and begin your healing journey.