Have you been curious about trying EMDR? EMDR therapy is a treatment for trauma and PTSD and is sometimes used for other issues as well. It has been well-studied and shown to be effective. This article will go over how EMDR can be done via telehealth.
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It's a type of psychotherapy that was developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987, and it's different from traditional talk therapy in that the client doesn't talk about their problems directly; instead, they use bilateral stimulation (such as tapping on their arms or listening to audio) while focusing on memories related to the traumatic event(s). The goal is to help clients process trauma by bringing negative emotions associated with those memories into awareness so they can be dealt with appropriately by the brain.
What is Online Therapy?
Online therapy is a form of healthcare that uses technology to provide care. For therapy, telehealth involves a secure video platform and can be done in the comfort of your own home.
The benefits of telehealth include:
-Reducing travel time and costs.
-Improving access to care for rural or remote populations.
-Providing a more convenient option for patients.
-Improved access to care for patients with disabilities.
-Decreased wait times.
-Doing therapy from the comfort and safety of your own home.
What is EMDR Helpful For?
EMDR is helpful for treating trauma, PTSD, and other mental health issues.
Past experiences can have an impact on our functioning and well-being in the present day. Trauma happens when an experience is "Too much, too fast." The trauma may be caused by a single specific event or could be a series of stressors/significant life changes that add up to a traumatic impact on your life. A single event could be something like a car accident, whereas a series of events could be something like being continually criticized by your parents.
EMDR works by helping you process these distressing memories so they don't interfere with your current functioning as much. You are given an opportunity to revisit these memories in a safe environment and with a trained therapist. You will also explore your core beliefs through EMDR. These are the things we believe about ourselves or the world deep down. EMDR helps to let go of negative core beliefs and start to adopt new, more helpful ones.
How Can EMDR Be Done via Telehealth?
If you're interested in EMDR therapy, but don't necessarily want to travel all the way to your therapist's office, or just prefer to be in the comfort of your own home, then teletherapy might be the option for you!
It can be convenient and might feel safe to go through EMDR therapy in a space in your own home. You might want to set up your space to be comfortable and have resources (e.g., soft blanket, soothing aromas, supportive/calming pet) easily within reach.
EMDR involves bilateral stimulation, which just means a sensory experience that alternates between the left and right side of your body. This can be done with eye movements, tapping, or sounds. There are several ways to effectively deliver this via telehealth. When working with a therapist who is experienced at delivering EMDR through online therapy there is a very good track record of effectiveness.
Start EMDR Online Therapy In North Carolina
If you feel like this is a good option for you, then we are happy to see if we can help! Reach out to us today for a free consultation. Remember that you are not alone in this. Our team of caring therapists would be happy to offer support from our Asheville, NC-based practice. You can start your therapy journey by following these simple steps:
Meet with a caring therapist
Start healing from past trauma from the comfort of your home!
Other Services Offered With Strive On Counseling
Our team understands you may experience a number of mental health concerns. This is why we are happy to offer a variety of services in addition to EMDR therapy. Other services offered include individual counseling, anxiety treatment, therapy for men’s issues, mindfulness, Buddhist counseling, chronic pain, cognitive behavioral therapy, teletherapy/online therapy. Other resources we offer include guided meditations, supplements, a list of books and other useful resources, and online courses. If you would like more information about any of these services, please reach out today, and start doing therapy in North Carolina!