Oxfordshire PTSD & Trauma Therapy
PTSD & Trauma Therapy
“Trauma is not what happened to you. Trauma is the wound it left on your body”
(Gabor Mate)
What is EDMR?
(Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy treatment that enables people to recover from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of traumatic life events.
The Armed Forces successfully use EMDR for treating those with PTSD.
EMDR has proved highly beneficial in healing the trauma wounds of those who have endured sexual abuse, rape, and chaotic childhoods.
How does EMDR Work?
By using Bi-lateral stimulation and tapping, both sides of the brain are stimulated to reprocess traumatic memories which are trapped in the emotional brain. This enables the rational brain to process the information in a more adaptive way, so a person can gain control over their cognitive and emotional responses to traumatic experiences or triggers.
*The long-term benefits of having EMDR is that intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and flashbacks might be reduced or disappear altogether.
Trauma can also affect people physically as well as mentally. Sufferers report symptoms such as back and shoulder pain, stomach issues, a tight chest, or headaches.
By releasing traumatic memories stored in the emotional brain and nervous system, it consequently releases the tension from the physically body at the same time.
Continuing to live with trauma in the long-term will be detrimental to a person’s physical health. Research shows that trauma can have a negative effect on the autoimmune system, which can increase the chances of developing chronic inflammatory diseases such as fibromyalgia, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, as well as some cancers.
How is EMDR Administered?
Light Machines: The original EMDR method. A coloured light will pulse from side to side along a bar. By following the light with your eyes, it creates bi-lateral stimulation in the brain.
Buzzers: Two vibrating stones are held in each hand – they will buzz on alternate sides.
Music over Headphones: This is our team’s favourite way to administer EMDR. Lie back and relax whilst listening to calming music. Meanwhile a background beat will be heard in alternate ears.
Tapping: By adding tapping to any of the above treatments, it further helps with bi-lateral stimulation, as well as relaxing the body.
