Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in Fort Walton Beach

EMDR stands for eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing. As a psychotherapy, it aims to help reduce the symptoms and emotional distress of disturbing life experiences.

The experienced team at Krueger Wellness Institute in Fort Walton Beach uses EMDR therapy to help clients suffering from mental disorders, including PTSD, by connecting a traumatic memory with new information. One of the main benefits of EMDR therapy is that it is often fast when compared to other treatments for severe emotional pain.

In some ways, a Fort Walton Beach EMDR therapist treats psychological trauma in a similar fashion to how someone might treat a physical trauma. That is to say that EMDR therapists aim to remove impediments/block to healing so that their client’s brains can continue to move naturally toward mental health. The “block” here is the disturbing event, and the overall goal is to have the event become desensitized through the treatment performed by trained EMDR therapists.

The Science Behind EMDR Therapy

The American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization are among the many organizations that support EMDR therapy as an effective treatment. According to some studies, as many as 90% of single-trauma victims no longer met full criteria Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after just three to five sessions of 90 minutes each. Another study showed that almost three-quarters of participating combat veterans had significantly reduced symptoms for PTSD within 12 sessions.

With such compelling results for severe trauma, the possibilities for EMDR therapy for people with PTSD are exciting. It could provide relief for vast numbers of sufferers.

While repetitive movements are involved in EMDR therapy, it is not the same as hypnosis. At no time during an EMDR session does the client go into a trance-like state.

What to Expect During EMDR Therapy?

Having developed a treatment plan, which includes determining which traumatic memory to target, the EMDR procedure involves eye movements or another bilateral stimulation. The client will be asked to think about an aspect of the traumatic event while a bilateral stimulus is utilized through visual or tactile means. This is painless and is intended only to stimulate both sides of the brain simultaneously, which assists in memory retrieval.

The reason for the movement is linked to Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. When successful, simulating rapid eye movement while holding the traumatic thought in mind can help the client process the experience.

Intermittently during the treatment, clients speak with therapists about thoughts, feelings, and emotions they experienced. They also share about the images they are exploring and the changes they are experiencing as the reprocessing continues throughout the session.

What to Look for in an EMDR Therapist in Fort Walton Beach

EMDR therapists in Fort Walton Beach deal with traumatic events that can cause severe emotional distress. In receiving EMDR therapy, the client will be typically asked to explore visual images of the memory or trauma, negative beliefs about themselves, and related emotions and body sensations.

Therefore, EMDR trauma therapy should only be carried out by well-trained, experienced professionals who can apply their knowledge in this sensitive area with skill and compassion. Before working with an EMDR therapist, consider their qualifications and previous experiences in working with people with trauma.

An EMDR therapist will vary treatment according to various factors, including the client’s age, and the age at which the trauma occurred. Several factors can affect the length of the treatment, as can the number of traumas the therapist will treat and how you respond to treatment.

Anyone thinking about taking part in EMDR trauma therapy in Fort Walton Beach should also understand that it is not something that will be a good fit for everyone. For instance, if the client is currently abusing alcohol or drugs, or suffer from severe dissociation, it often can affect the efficacy of EMDR treatment, for which some stability is required. The treatment often shows the best outcomes with the client feels trusting and safe in the therapeutic relationship.

Note that EMDR therapy can have some side effects, much like any other form of psychotherapy. The potential side effects are similar to that of any trauma therapy in that you may find heightened emotions and an increase in physical sensations during and/or after the sessions.

Anxiety Therapy

EMDR as a PTSD Treatment

Research has shown that EMDR therapy can be more effective in treating PTSD symptoms than various other interventions or groups that received no treatment.

Our team of therapists can offer EMDR therapy in Fort Walton Beach. We understand PTSD counseling and how to proceed with care, sensitivity, professionalism, and skill.

For the treatment of PTSD, 12-15 weekly sessions are often effective, however treatment is often longer. Length of time and outcomes vary from individual-to-individual. The therapist may decide that treatment on consecutive days is the best approach, or fewer sessions might be required. There are various factors that must be taken into consideration on the length of treatment.

The EMDR process is a team effort! Krueger Wellness Institute in Fort Walton Beach works collaboratively with our clients to assist with best treatment outcomes.

Fort Walton Beach EMDR Counseling for PTSD

Our team is well-trained and can take clients through every stage of EMDR treatment for trauma and other distressing life experiences, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. These sessions will require some openness and bravery. If you are ready for change, our EMDR therapists are ready to help you.

Whether you have tried other kinds of trauma counseling before, or EMDR is your first attempt, come and talk to us about what our treatment can do.

Krueger Wellness Institute can help relieve the pain of a traumatic event or memory. Contact us today to start your healing journey.

We also have EMDR therapy sessions available for clients living in Bluewater Bay, Destin, and Niceville.