Many people have heard of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) as a therapy used to treat trauma. While EMDR is appropriate for trauma, it is also just as helpful for anxiety and other stressful life experiences.
Many people come to my practice with distressing symptoms such as excessive worry, trouble sleeping, digestive issues or a sense of dread they cannot shake. I often use EMDR therapy to help these people decrease their symptoms and often eliminate their distress all together.
What about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
A lot of people come to me because they have heard of the benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This type of therapy can help people build awareness and skills to manage anxiety symptoms and I often incorporate CBT into the therapeutic process when using EMDR.
EMDR is different from CBT in that it allows people to discover and process the root causes of their distress. While CBT can be a useful tool to help manage symptoms, EMDR is often more useful in eliminating symptoms.
I often describe the difference between CBT and EMDR as the difference between a band-aid and stitches. CBT, much like a band-aid, can help stop the bleeding (or manage the symptoms) while EMDR aids in the healing process on a deeper level. Sometimes a band-aid is the most appropriate option, but for many a deeper healing is necessary.
How do I know what type of therapy is right for me?
Working with a mental health professional you can determine which type of therapy is right for you. However, knowing which therapist to choose in the first place can be more difficult. Many therapists utilize one type of therapy, while others, like me use a variety of techniques.
In my experience, each person who comes to me is unique and therefore, deserves a unique plan of treatment. While EMDR is one of my main go-to therapies, I also incorporate CBT, Mindfulness, and traditional talk therapy techniques into my practice. For many people, a blend of therapeutic techniques works best.
If you would like more information about the types of therapies I use, including EMDR, feel free to call for a free 15 minute phone consultation. You can also visit my website for more details about EMDR.
Andrea@AndreaHarbeckTherapy.com
720-336-9454