EMDR Therapy in Oklahoma
EMDR therapy is an evidence-based therapy technique. It often used to treat PTSD and other problems related to trauma. Or, upsetting experiences.
Our natural survival instinct is the fight, flight, or freeze response. This response is triggered by more extreme events such as violence or disasters. But, the fight, flight, or freeze response is also triggered by day-to-day events. Such as driving in traffic or dealing with an angry coworker. Our mind perceives a threatening situation and our central nervous system becomes activated. This activation serves to prepare our bodies to deal with the threat in whatever way it can.
When triggered, the central nervous system usually settles down on its own, but not always. Sometimes stressful and traumatic experiences can cause emotions and thoughts to linger. These may last long after the experience has ended. Our central nervous system becomes highly sensitive. As a result, it becomes activated by unrelated situations, false alarms, and even our thoughts. A variety of unpleasant symptoms can follow. These may include anxiety, racing thoughts, panic attacks, or avoidance. They may even include self-harm, nightmares, suicidal thoughts, and more. But, EMDR therapy can help you overcome these symptoms.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
The main technique of EMDR therapy is bilateral stimulation (BLS). As implied by the name, EMDR therapy often features the use of eye movement during processing. Traditionally, the therapist sits close to the client. They quickly pass a hand or an object back and forth across the client’s field of vision. The client tracks the therapist’s hand back and forth while focusing on internal experiences. These may emotions, thoughts, memories, etc. In short, BLS keeps you grounded in the present moment while accessing memories and emotions from the past. Usually, new thoughts or ideas about the trauma will arise. However, the emotions will begin to feel less intense. Whether you’re diagnosed with PTSD or not, EMDR therapy could be helpful to you.
EMDR Therapy can be effective in a variety of challenging circumstances, including:
Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
Bullying
Chronic Illness, pain, and medical issues
Depression and bipolar disorders
Dissociative disorders
Eating disorders
Grief and loss
Life transitions
PTSD and other trauma and stress-related issues
Abuse, sexual assault, and violence
Sleep disturbances
Substance abuse and addiction
Traumatic experiences related to sexual orientation or gender identity.
My Approach to EMDR Therapy
The primary task of EMDR is to help you recognize negative beliefs that you hold (often unconsciously) about yourself related to traumatic or stressful experiences. Throughout EMDR therapy, we will work with these negative beliefs. Together, we will help you process through your emotions and memories connected to those beliefs. We’ll then help you start to work with healthier, more adaptive beliefs about yourself. This will not only help heal from trauma. It will also help you deal better with challenging situations in the future.
EMDR is a very effective BLS technique. However, it usually doesn’t work well for video or phone counseling. Fortunately, there are a variety of BLS techniques that can be used. Tapping on your legs or shoulders, walking in place, or listening to certain music and sounds is also possible. Before we begin EMDR treatment, we’ll discuss what the best technique is for you.
Begin EMDR Therapy in Tulsa, OK
You deserve relief from your trauma. An EMDR therapist can provide the support you deserve. If you’re ready to start EMDR therapy, and life in the Tulsa area, let’s get started. Follow these three steps to begin at Gray Matters Counseling:
Reach out to schedule an initial counseling session
Get answers to your questions about mental health counseling
Overcome your trauma, and live a more fulfilled life.
Other Services Offered At Gray Matters Counseling
As a counselor, I help people from all walks of life meet their goals. Whether you are seeking depression counseling, anxiety treatment, or counseling for any other issue. I encourage you to reach out so we can talk and see if we’re a good fit. I offer LGBT+ affirming counseling, counseling for men, and young adults therapy. I primarily use acceptance and commitment therapy. It is very effective for helping you get unstuck and moving forward toward what is most important in your life. In addition to offering psychotherapy services online, I also have a Tulsa-based counseling office. You can feel better, and I can help you find that strength within yourself.