Signs You Might Benefit from EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy that can be used to treat symptoms of trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, addiction, and even phobias. If you are suffering from the aftermath of a traumatic event such as a wildfire, car accident, combat, assault, loss of a loved one, or any other “single-incident” trauma, EMDR could support you in processing this trauma at a deeper level than talk therapy and could effectively target your trauma-related symptoms. If you’ve experienced what we call “chronic or ongoing trauma”—often this is a result of childhood abuse, community violence, domestic violence, racial trauma, or bullying—EMDR could support your system in moving beyond the effects of this trauma and help you begin living a more meaningful, fulfilling life.
Here is a list of signs and symptoms that might indicate that you could benefit from EMDR therapy with a professional therapist:
Physical & Somatic Symptoms
Startle response or hypervigilance
Insomnia/trouble sleeping
Chronic pain
Muscle tension
Gastrointestinal issues
Headaches
Fatigue/low energy
Elevated heart rate
Skin issues (rashes, psoriasis)
Psychological Symptoms
Avoidance of potential triggers
Numbness/feeling flat
Overwhelm/feeling like you are going to breakdown
Withdrawal from others and the world
Memory issues
Flashbacks
Dissociation/depersonalization
Phobic responses tied to the traumatic event
Loss of interests/pleasure in life
Survivor’s guilt
Pervasive sense of dread
Addictions & numbing strategies
Loss of trust in the world
Loss of sense of self
Feeling like everything is meaningless
Hopelessness
Emotional & Mood-Related Symptoms
Irritability
Quick to anger
Emotional outbursts
Suicidal thoughts/urges
Rapid changes in mood (feeling like you’re on a rollercoaster)
Aggressive behavior
Fawning/people-pleasing behavior
Repeated relationship issues
Pervasive shame
