There are many ups and downs, trials, and periods of chaos in life. Often, finding the right therapist can be a difficult decision. It can become a frustrating exploration when searching for a therapist due to the different treatment modalities and avenues for healing and growth.
As a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist, I find that traditional talk therapy and EMDR therapy are fundamental in healing.
Traditional talk therapy provides a “nesting place” for the client to explore, identify, develop, and, sometimes, replace various negative narratives and thought patterns. Through in-depth discussion, exploration, and healing, one can reach a place of growth and empowerment. Finding closure is an essential ingredient in the healing process. Closure is the platform where a client can metamorphose from surviving to thriving.
EMDR therapy stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. This type of therapy utilizes bilateral eye movement from left to right to resource and reprocess feelings, thoughts, memories, and events.
In the resourcing stage, the therapist and client will identify a calm and safe place where the client can learn how to develop and strengthen thoughts. The safe place can range from the beach, the mountains, or their favorite place that they have been to or would like to go. The calm and safe place is utilized at the end of each EMDR session, but the therapist also recommends practicing at different times to strengthen that state of mind. We want to replace the negative go-to thoughts and patterns with a calm and safe place.
When a client and therapist begin the reprocessing stage, this entails a specific event, thought, or interaction that has caused the client feelings of discomfort. The therapist will ask the client to rate the discomfort level. Zero will represent no discomfort at all, while ten will be the highest level of discomfort. Once that discomfort level is identified, the therapist will assist the client in choosing a negative cognition and a positive cognition that rings true to them.
A few examples of negative cognitions can be: I am not enough. I am alone. The world isn’t safe. Then we replace it with a positive cognition, such as, I am enough, I am powerful, or I am safe. This step empowers the client and transforms positive cognition into reality.
