EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) is a proven therapy that helps the mind and body to work together to change thought patterns and deeply-held beliefs.
While this may sound similar to hypnotherapy, the EMDR and hypnosis are very different ways to treat the challenges that can result from traumatic life experiences.
Hypnosis as it is used in psychology involves moving the client into a trance-like (or hypnotic) state where they are simultaneously very relaxed with heightened mental focus. While the client is in this state, the psychologist will try to guide the person towards a specific goal or change. Hypnosis is a controversial treatment. Its aim is to target suppressed traumatic memories and change the client’s perception of those memories. It also relies on the individual to choose to respond, which can be unpredictable.
EMDR, on the other hand, requires the client to be entirely conscious and uses techniques that are proven to have biophysical effects.
This therapy modality builds through eight stages, normally lasting 8-12 sessions. It involves the therapist helping the client to gradually remember events from the traumatic event or events that resulted in their current symptoms. During the later stages of the process, the therapist uses guiding eye movements while talking about the traumatic experience. This use of distraction and external stimuli allows the client to recall and reprocess the memories more easily, without repeatedly going through intense emotional stress.
Another key difference between the two forms of treatment are their end goals: hypnosis focuses on achieving a single goal, whereas EMDR has a much broader reach, helping the client deal with PTSD symptoms caused by trauma and its associated memories.
EMDR is more researched than hypnosis, particularly for treatment of PTSD. Over 20 studies have found EMDR to be effective in trauma treatment.
If you are suffering from the results of a traumatic experience, EMDR may be able to help you restore your mental balance and inner peace.
At Inside Wellness, we are proud to offer the services of EMDR-specialist, Angela Cox. Angela uses EMDR to help you process your trauma and regain control of your mental health.
Schedule a call today with our Care Coordinator to book your first session with Angela.