Most people will experience trauma at some point in their lives, whether it's from a car accident, abuse, neglect, the sudden death of a loved one, a violent crime, or a medical illness.
While many people recover over time with the support of family and friends, some may find that the effects of trauma last much longer. They might experience deep emotional pain, fear, confusion, or post-traumatic stress long after the event.
In these cases, the support, guidance, and assistance of a therapist are essential for healing from trauma.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a well-researched and effective way to help people recover from trauma and PTSD. In this therapy, patients focus briefly on their traumatic memory while doing activities that stimulate the brain, often using eye movements.
Why EMDR for Breast Cancer?
Being diagnosed and treated for breast cancer can be very traumatic and stressful. Many people with cancer experience post-traumatic symptoms like constant worrying, fear that the disease will return, nightmares, sleep issues, irritability, restlessness, and fatigue. They may also avoid places, events, and people connected to their cancer experience.
Research shows that certain factors can increase the risk of developing PTSD from cancer, such as the severity of the disease, side effects from treatment, and physical pain. Previous trauma and lack of support can also play a role. EMDR therapy has been shown to help with anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms in cancer patients. For more information, visit The EMDR Foundation.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR therapy uses a technique called bilateral stimulation to repeatedly activate both sides of the brain. Therapists often use eye movements for this. These movements mimic rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is when the brain processes recent events.
EMDR helps the brain reprocess trapped memories so that normal information processing can continue. It’s often used to uncover and process negative beliefs from past traumas. For more details, visit the EMDR Institute, Inc.
What else does EMDR help?
Originally developed for PTSD, EMDR is also helpful for:
- Panic Attacks
- Complicated Grief
- Dissociative Orders
- Disturbing Memories
- Phobias
- Pain Disorders
- Performance Anxiety
- Addictions
- Stress Reduction
- Sexual and/or Physical Abuse
- Body Dysmorphic Disorders
- Personality Disorders
