How EMDR Therapists Help Clients Overcome Trauma

Finding Balance and Calm

Hope Therapy & Counselling Services: A Beacon of Healing

Finding balance and calm might seem like an insurmountable challenge in a world where the scars of Trauma can linger long after the actual events have passed. However, there is a glimmer of hope for those who have endured the harrowing effects of Trauma, and it comes in the form of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. At Hope Therapy & Counselling Services, a dedicated trauma team, including EMDR therapists, stands ready to offer a path towards healing and reclaiming a fulfilling life.

The Impact of Trauma

Trauma can manifest in numerous ways, affecting individuals both emotionally and physically. It can stem from a wide range of experiences, such as abuse, accidents, natural disasters, or the loss of a loved one. The aftermath of Trauma can disrupt daily life, relationships, and overall well-being, leaving individuals feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and trapped in the past.

The journey towards healing from Trauma is neither linear nor simple. It requires a compassionate, supportive, and professional approach. That is precisely what the trauma team at Hope Therapy & Counselling Services aims to provide.

EMDR Therapy: Unraveling the Knots of Trauma

EMDR therapy is a specialised approach that has gained widespread recognition for its effectiveness in helping people recover from Trauma. Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has evolved into a widely accepted and evidence-based form of therapy.

The therapy process involves eight distinct phases:

1. History Taking: EMDR therapists at Hope Therapy delve into the client’s history to understand the Trauma’s root causes and identify troubling memories.
2. Preparation: Establishing a therapeutic alliance with the client is crucial. The therapist ensures that the individual feels safe and secure throughout the process.
3. Assessment: Identifying target memories and the associated negative beliefs that have been formed as a result of the Trauma.
4. Desensitisation: Using bilateral stimulation (typically through eye movements), clients are guided to process the distressing memories, which helps reduce their emotional charge.
5. Installation: Positive beliefs are reinforced to replace negative beliefs formed due to the Trauma.
6. Body Scan: Any residual physical tension or discomfort is addressed through body-focused techniques.
7. Closure: Ensuring that each session ends on a positive note, promoting emotional stability between sessions.
8. Reevaluation: Tracking progress and reassessing the impact of the therapy on the client’s life.

The Compassionate Care at Hope Therapy

At Hope Therapy & Counselling Services, the trauma team understands that every individual’s journey is unique. Their EMDR therapists work collaboratively with clients, fostering a safe and non-judgmental environment where healing can occur organically.

The therapists are highly trained and experienced in working with various forms of Trauma, ensuring that each client receives personalised care tailored to their specific needs. By combining EMDR therapy with other evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques, clients are provided with a comprehensive toolkit for healing and growth.

Trauma can cast a shadow over every aspect of life. Still, with the right support and therapeutic guidance, the wounds of the past can be transformed into opportunities for growth. 

EMDR Therapists

Is there evidence to support the use of EMDR when working with Trauma?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has accumulated a substantial body of research evidence supporting its efficacy in helping people who have experienced Trauma. 

Here are some key studies and findings:

1. Shapiro, F. (1989). The original foundational study by Francine Shapiro introduced EMDR therapy. This research demonstrated that bilateral eye movements significantly reduced the emotional distress associated with traumatic memories. It laid the groundwork for subsequent studies and the development of EMDR as a therapeutic approach.
2. Wilson, S. A. J., Becker, L. A., & Tinker, R. H. (1995). This meta-analysis assessed the efficacy of EMDR in treating trauma-related symptoms. The study concluded that EMDR therapy was more effective in reducing symptoms compared to no treatment or traditional exposure-based therapies.
3. Bisson, J., & Andrew, M. (2007). This meta-analysis compared EMDR therapy with cognitive-behavioural therapies (CBT) and other forms of treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The findings showed that EMDR was equally effective as other evidence-based therapies in reducing PTSD symptoms.
4. Seidler, G. H., & Wagner, F. E. (2006). Another meta-analysis compared the effectiveness of EMDR with other psychological treatments for PTSD. EMDR was found to be more effective in reducing trauma-related symptoms than non-specific control conditions.
5. Högberg, G., Pagani, M., Sundin, O., Soares, J., Aberg-Wistedt, A., Tärnell, B., … & Hallström, T. (2007). In this study, brain imaging was used to investigate the effects of EMDR therapy on individuals with PTSD. The results showed that EMDR led to changes in brain activity associated with reduced PTSD symptoms.
6. Rothbaum, B. O., Astin, M. C., & Marsteller, F. (2005). This study compared EMDR with a wait-list control condition for rape victims suffering from PTSD. The researchers found that EMDR therapy resulted in significant reductions in PTSD symptoms.
7. Van Etten, M. L., & Taylor, S. (1998). In this study, EMDR was compared to other trauma-focused therapies in treating PTSD. EMDR was found to be superior in reducing symptoms and maintaining treatment gains over time.
8. Bradley, R., Greene, J., Russ, E., Dutra, L., & Westen, D. (2005). A study comparing EMDR with other trauma-focused therapies for combat-related PTSD found that EMDR was more effective in reducing symptoms.

These studies and many others have contributed to the growing recognition of EMDR as an evidence-based therapy for trauma-related conditions. 

The research consistently shows that EMDR can be a valuable and effective approach for supporting individuals who have experienced Trauma in processing their traumatic memories, reducing distress, and alleviating symptoms of PTSD. 

Individual responses may vary, as with any therapeutic intervention. Still, the cumulative evidence indicates that EMDR is a valuable and widely accepted therapeutic option for trauma survivors.

To find out more about the services offered, simply take a look here: https://www.hopefulminds.co.uk/services/emdr/