Transform Your Life with EMDR Therapy in San Antonio: A Journey To Recovery
Life comes with its own set of triumphs and challenges, unique to each individual. Our brains and bodies process these circumstances in their own ways, often creating a lasting impact that extends to all aspects of a person’s life. When those experiences are traumatic, our brain holds onto the memories, activating a stress response that can sometimes be difficult to turn off without intervention. Mental health conditions like PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), Depression and Anxiety are all ways this stress can manifest, hindering the ability to move forward without that dark cloud creating a shadow in our path. Fortunately, years of research has led to revolutionary techniques that can alleviate these negative feelings, healing the parts of you that have been conditioned to live in fight or flight mode. One such treatment is known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Discovered in the late 1980’s, EMDR is a therapeutic technique that combines memory recall with external stimulation to create new pathways within the brain. Most commonly used for those who suffer from PTSD, EMDR asks patients to describe details of a traumatic event of their past while simultaneously engaging with the therapist who is implementing EMDR methods. Traditionally, the patient will track the doctor’s finger with their eyes back and forth as they discuss their memory. Treatment may also include alternative stimuli, such as hand tapping or audio stimulation.
What Does EMDR Do To The Brain?
While talk therapy and medication are valuable mental health tools, some instances require more intense intervention. EMDR bypasses those components to effectively alter the brain itself, creating different feelings to assign to the negative memories. This works within the same system as REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, an automatic brain function that helps with processing, or in this case, reprocessing. Think of dragging a stick in the sand over and over, creating a path that water trickles through. The deeper you make it, the more water flows and the more difficult it is to change course. EMDR is the equivalent of damming up the sand and creating a new, alternative path for the water to change its course. Whereas previously, a memory may have caused self-loathing, bitterness or fear, after completing successful EMDR, ideally the memory will now produce a feeling of strength and perseverance.
What Does EMDR Treatment in San Antonio Look Like?
There’s no one size fits all solution for maintaining mental health, but EMDR has proven to be a successful option for many. According to the EMDR Institute, up to 90% of single-trauma survivors see major improvement after just three sessions, with many reporting complete relief after the duration of treatment. EMDR Therapy usually consists of multiple phases, beginning with a simple information-gathering conversation and plan of action. Your Sillon provider will work with you to uncover the traumatic events you need help unpacking, including putting a label on the associated emotions those memories bring to the table. We will determine together what feelings you would prefer to attach to those memories as we work through the process. Feeling how your body reacts throughout the session is a key part of determining success, the goal being to have a decrease in physical reactions as time goes on. You will also be given tools to cope with any emotional distress that may simmer up between sessions.
Re-Chart Your Mental Health with San Antonio Therapists
With more and more research indicating a positive outcome, EMDR is quickly becoming a popular choice for the path toward better mental health. The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense have even gone on record to recommend EMDR for the treatment of PTSD not just for military members but for anyone. If you are ready to take back the narrative your brain has kept you stuck in and start leading a more peaceful life, it’s time to reach out to the most dedicated professionals in San Antonio, El Paso, and surrounding areas. Contact us now to set up your first appointment.
Contact EMDR Therapists in San Antonio
Sillon Wellness psychologists in San Antonio are experienced in evidence-based care and specialize in helping teens and adults struggling with mood disorders, eating disorders, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and trauma. You can take advantage of a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation with our San Antonio Psychologists to determine whether we are the best fit for you.
If you want to start living, really living, contact Sillon Wellness or call us at 719.623.2356 to book your first appointment. Sillon Wellness accepts Aetna Insurance, Cigna Insurance, TRIWest Insurance, and Tricare Insurance.