top of page
Writer's pictureJasmine Vasquez

Releasing the Trauma of the Past to Embrace a Calmer Future


EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy treatment that has been developed to help people recover from traumatic events. It is a cutting-edge therapeutic technique for individuals struggling with negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This innovative therapy is an effective means of treating psychological issues and it has become increasingly popular. EMDR is based on the premise that any traumatic or distressing life experience can leave an imprint on our minds and create mental and emotional blocks. These “blocks” can lead to a wide variety of negative reactions. It is based on the idea that unresolved traumatic memories can interfere with a person's daily life and prevent them from fully moving forward. The goal of EMDR is to process the trauma and free the individual from its grip. EMDR has been used since the late 1980s. It was developed by Francine Shapiro, a psychotherapist who observed people naturally moving their eyes while talking about a traumatic experience. This observation sparked a new form of treatment, which has been tested and studied extensively.


EMDR is based on the idea that the brain is unable to fully process traumatic memories by itself. The therapy aims to unlock the door to the unconscious mind so that the individual can access and process the memory in a healthy manner. To achieve this, a trained therapist will lead the person through a process involving eye movements and talk therapy. The therapist will ask the person to focus on the trauma, and will then guide them through a set of eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation. Each eye movement or stimulus is timed to target specific aspects of the trauma. By focusing on the negative emotions connected to the traumatic event, the person is able to resolve their feelings and gain a greater understanding of what happened. This allows them to gain a sense of control and move forward in life. The effectiveness of EMDR has been demonstrated through multiple studies. It has been used to help those suffering from PTSD and other forms of psychological trauma. It is often recommended as a treatment for victims of abuse, war veterans, and those who have been involved in natural disasters.


The benefits of EMDR can be profound. Some benefits include:

1. Improved Mental Health: EMDR has been used to successfully treat various mental health issues, such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).


2. Reduced Stress: EMDR can help reduce anxiety and stress, and create a sense of peace and well-being.


3. Improved Relationships: EMDR helps build empathy and understanding between people, which can improve a relationship.


4. Improved Sleep: People often report that they have improved sleep following EMDR sessions.


5. Reducing Negative Beliefs: EMDR can help identify and replace negative beliefs with more positive ones.


6. Improved Memory: EMDR therapy has been shown to reduce the symptoms of traumatic memories.


A Faith-Based View:

As Christians, we are called to be more than just emotionally healthy – we are called to have a deep and meaningful relationship with God. EMDR can be a powerful resource for the healing of individuals who have experienced trauma and struggle to cope with its symptoms. By allowing individuals to process difficult memories, EMDR creates an opportunity to work through emotional and spiritual issues that may have been previously too overwhelming to manage. EMDR is a valid and beneficial form of therapy that provides significant relief to many people. While EMDR has been investigated thoroughly, there are still limitations to its effectiveness, so those seeking to use it should be sure to seek appropriate guidance and support. It is important to pray and seek counsel from trusted spiritual advisors to guide decisions about its use. Ultimately, Christians can be confident that EMDR is a tool that God will use to bring them comfort and healing.


The Bible teaches that God is a source of comfort and healing, and while the use of EMDR is not specifically outlined in Scripture, it can be an effective tool in seeking the help and guidance of God. EMDR may also help to strengthen a person's faith by providing a safe and trusted space to process their experiences and ultimately find peace, hope, and purpose. EMDR can provide the healing and insight needed to strengthen this relationship and bring us closer to a life of joy and peace. By delving into our innermost thoughts and feelings, EMDR can help us to bring our most deeply held beliefs to the forefront of our minds, allowing us to make decisions that honor and glorify our heavenly Father. As we look to God for peace, comfort, and healing, EMDR can be a powerful tool to help us on our journey.

33 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Комментарии


bottom of page