for individuals, military members and first responders
Would you like to overcome some past life experiences that still bother you today?
Have you been bullied at school, at work or at home? Have you gone through traumatic childhood experiences? Have you had difficult parents (narcissistic, antisocial, etc.)? Have you gone through a divorce? Or are you a member of the military or a first responder (military, police, firefighter and dispatcher)? Or a terrifying natural disaster? Or have you been mistreated and misunderstood as you came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community? Have you suffered from sexual harassment or abuse? Have you lost a loved one or a job?
If you have been through any of these or other traumatic experiences, we can help. Our team of intradisciplinary and specialized therapists are trained and/or certified in EMDR, an evidence-based therapy that has shown significant effectiveness relieving the for many people.
by many clients. EMDR is an interactive psychotherapy technique. It’s used to relieve psychological trauma and stress, such as in PTSD. EMDR the
rapy is very effective for those who struggle to talk about past experiences. In talk therapy, the client talks about the trauma incident. But in EMDR therapy, the client talks briefly about the incident. At the same time, the therapist directs their eye movements.
EMDR seems to be effective because talking about distressing events is often less upsetting when attention is diverted. By using eye exercises, EMDR allows the client to get exposure to memories or thoughts. But, they do so without having a strong psychological response. Over time, this technique is believed to lessen the impact that the memories have on clients.
EMDR Therapy for Trauma and PTSD
EMDR therapy has proven to be effective in treating trauma and PTSD. It may also help treat other conditions like anxiety, depression, and panic disorders.
EMDR therapy is considered to be safe. It has many fewer side effects than prescription medications. That said, there are some side effects that you may experience. EMDR therapy causes a heightened awareness of thinking. This awareness does not end immediately when a session does. As a result, this can cause light-headedness. It can also cause vivid, realistic dreams. It often takes several sessions with EMDR therapy to complete PTSD treatment. So, this means it doesn’t work overnight. The beginning of EMDR therapy may be very triggering to those starting to deal with past trauma. Specifically, this is due to the heightened focus. EMDR therapy will likely be effective in the long run. But, it may be emotionally stressful to move through the course of treatment. Talk to your trauma therapist about this when you start PTSD treatment. Doing so will help you know how to cope if you experience these symptoms.
Some may prefer this treatment to prescription medications, which can have unexpected side effects. Others may find that EMDR therapy strengthens the effectiveness of their medications.
What is Trauma?
Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event. Immediately after the event, shock, denial, stress, and sadness are typical. Other lasting reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships, physical symptoms. This might include headaches or nausea.
Trauma can be physical or psychological. Physical trauma is a serious bodily injury. On the other hand, psychological trauma is an internal reaction. It serves as a response to a life-threatening or life-changing event. The starkest contrast between each is that physical trauma is often visible. But, the pain from psychological trauma is not. Psychological trauma isn’t any more or less serious than physical trauma. Each can have lasting effects at can affect those involved long after the situation. In some cases, the support of trauma therapy may be vital for recovery.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder. It can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include:
Violent personal assaults
Natural disasters
Human-caused disasters
Accidents and death
Unexpected loss of a partner, friend, job, or pet
Military combat
FIrst Responders work (police, firefighters, EMT and paramedics, dispatchers)
PTSD symptoms may also occur when someone witnesses another experiencing these traumatic events. It can cause anxiety, nightmares, flashbacks, and many other symptoms that have negative effects on daily functioning.
Begin EMDR Therapy, PTSD Treatment, or Trauma Therapy in West Des Moines, IA
If you think trauma therapy, PTSD treatment, or EMDR therapy is right for you, feel free to check our EMDR therapists. Choose the one that seems the best fit for you. Our team’s goal is to help you overcome the past so you can experience a fulfilling, bright future. We provide support from our West Des Moines, IA-based practice. To start your therapy journey, please follow these steps:
Would you like to overcome some past life experiences that still bother you today?
What is Trauma?
