PTSD Symptoms, treatment, and emdr for ptsd
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that may arise following exposure to, or witnessing, life threatening situations like disasters, violent attacks, combat in the military or other significant traumas. It's an issue that leaves a lasting impact not only on the minds and emotions of those impacted but on all aspects of their lives. This blog aims to explore PTSD, its symptoms, the variety of treatments and the impactful role of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in the path to recovery.
Understanding PTSD
Experiencing PTSD goes beyond struggling to move on from an event. It's a condition, with symptoms that fall into four main categories;
Intrusive thoughts: These can involve flashbacks, nightmares and memories of the trauma that intrude unexpectedly into life.
Avoidance: People with PTSD may try to avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma whether its places, activities, individuals or even thoughts and emotions tied to the event.
Changes in thinking and mood: This may show up as beliefs about oneself or others ongoing feelings of fear, guilt, shame, difficulty feeling emotions or a sense of detachment from others.
Alterations in arousal and reactivity: Symptoms could include being startled feeling constantly tense or, on edge having trouble sleeping or experiencing bursts of anger. These symptoms can lead to significant distress or problems in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning, highlighting the need for effective treatment strategies.
Treatment for PTSD
Treating PTSD involves methods, such, as therapy, medications and self help techniques. The type of treatment selected is based on how severe the symptoms are and the persons preferences, as well as if there are any other conditions present. Examples include;
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); This therapy involves collaborating with a therapist to acquire skills aimed at addressing thought and behavior patterns that contribute to distress.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy; A type of CBT where individuals work through memories in an controlled manner to reduce their emotional impact.
Cognitive Processing Therapy; Another form of CBT that concentrates on reshaping negative thoughts related to the trauma.
Medication; Doctors often recommend antidepressants, like SSRIs to ease the symptoms of PTSD.
Although these therapies have helped people they may not cater to the requirements of all patients. This gap has spurred the investigation and adoption of alternative treatment methods, like EMDR.
EMDR: Hope for Those with PTSD
EMDR therapy is distinguished as a method for addressing PTSD. Created by Francine Shapiro in the 1980s EMDR has been widely. Embraced as a primary treatment, for trauma and PTSD.
How EMDR Works
EMDR therapy operates under the belief that the mind has the capacity to mend wounds like the body heals physical injuries. This therapy is centered around addressing and merging memories thought to underlie symptoms of PTSD. EMDR follows an eight phase process that encompasses;
The 8 Phases of EMDR according to the EMDR Institute
The eight phases are 1) history taking and treatment planning, 2) preparation, 3) assessment, 4) desensitization, 5) installation, 6) body scan, 7) closure and 8) reevaluation.
Phase 1: The first phase begins with a discussion between the therapist and client regarding what brings the client into therapy and how EMDR therapy can be used best for that client. The therapist and client develop a secure working relationship. The client’s history is discussed and a treatment plan is developed with attention to the pacing of therapy and the selection of traumatic events that will be part of treatment. In addition, the client’s internal and external resources are assessed.
Phase 2: In the preparation phase, the therapist explains the EMDR therapy process, terms, and sets expectations. Any client concerns and questions are addressed and a safe therapeutic alliance between therapist and client is established. The therapist and client collaborate to prepare specific techniques to cope with any emotional disturbance that might come up. Some clients need quite a bit of time in phases 1 and 2 in order to feel ready to move on to the following phases.
Phase 3: In assessment, the event to reprocess (also known as the target event) is identified, along with images, beliefs, feelings, and sensations about the event. Initial baseline measures are set by using the Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUD) scale and the Validity of Cognition (VOC) scale.
The next three phases are known as the ‘reprocessing’ phases and all involve dual attention bilateral stimulation (BLS). Dual attention BLS activates the client’s information processing system while keeping the client anchored in the present moment. Dual attention BLS can be side to side eye movements, sounds, or taps.
Phase 4: In the fourth phase, desensitization, the side to side eye movements, sounds, or taps are begun while focusing on the traumatic event, and continue until the client’s SUD reduces to zero (or 1 if appropriate). During this time, new thoughts, sensations, images, and feelings may emerge.
Phase 5: When desensitization is complete, installation begins. In this phase, the client associates and strengthens a positive belief with the target event until it feels completely true.
Phase 6: During the body scan, the client is asked to hold in mind the target event and the positive belief while scanning the body from head to toe. Any lingering disturbance from the body is reprocessed.
The last two phases ensure safety for the client both at the end of a current session and at the beginning of the next session.
Phase 7: Every session of reprocessing ends with the seventh phase, closure, in which the client is assisted to return to a state of calm in the present moment whether the reprocessing is complete or not. Reprocessing of an event is complete when the client feels neutral about it (SUD=0), the positive belief feels completely true (VOC=7), and the body is completely clear of disturbance.
Phase 8: Reevaluation, is how each new session begins after reprocessing. The client and therapist discuss recently processed memories to ensure that distress is still low and that the positive cognition is still strong. Future targets and directions for continued treatment are determined. (www.emdria.org)
The use of bilateral stimulation is a hallmark of EMDR and is thought to mimic the natural processing that occurs during REM sleep, helping to desensitize the individual to the emotional impact of memories and reprocess them in a way that reduces their hold.
The Efficacy of EMDR
Numerous studies back the efficacy of EMDR in addressing PTSD. Research indicates that EMDR can help alleviate symptoms often resulting in improvements within a few therapy sessions. Esteemed organizations like the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization endorse EMDR as a treatment for PTSD.
The Transformative Power of EMDR
EMDR offers an experience that goes beyond alleviating symptoms. It strives to assist individuals in dealing with and assimilating memories resulting in significant changes, in how they view themselves and the world. People often mention experiencing not a reduction in symptoms but also a boost in inner resilience a heightened feeling of tranquility and better connections, with others.
Navigating the Path Forward
For individuals facing PTSD, the road, to healing might seem overwhelming. Yet the emergence of therapies such as EMDR provides a glimmer of hope and a path to recovery. Seeking assistance from professionals who can navigate the intricacies of PTSD and its treatment is crucial.
Selecting the therapy is a personal choice as what may be effective for one person may not be, for another. The key lies in exploring options, including EMDR to discover the approach that resonates best and proves beneficial based on each individuals unique journey and requirements.
Conclusion: A New Chapter Awaits
Dealing with PTSD can be a battle casting shadows over ones life. However, thanks to advancements in therapies such as EMDR there is a path to healing. By tackling the root causes of trauma EMDR therapy can change how individuals view their past fostering a sense of freedom and potential.
For both therapists and clients grasping the complexities of PTSD and the effectiveness of treatments like EMDR is vital on the road to recovery. As we deepen our knowledge of trauma and healing we unlock opportunities, for resilience, growth and restoration.
If you or someone you know is facing struggles remember; there is hope and support. With guidance, EMDR, and a therapeutic alliance with a trained professional, a new chapter is possible.