The mind is an awesome thing. When something impacts us profoundly, we can remember things easily. For example, I remember the night my husband of 10 years said he was leaving. Just as if it were yesterday. I had gotten home from work. I still had my hand on the doorknob from opening the door, and our marriage was over. Read on to learn about how EMDR Intensives can help come to terms with past trauma.
Images From Our Past Can Haunt Our Future
If I think about it, I can even remember every feeling I felt those first few hours. I also remember the sleepless nights and the crying. These accompanied the intense longing to know what happened for my marriage to end like that. With no real discussion or emotion on his part. Just a statement of fact.
However, I can also remember my wedding day. And with it all the joy, happiness, and hope it brought. I can feel the intense feelings of joy. This is from seeing the people sitting in the field before the ceremony. And the glorious party afterward. I can feel, see, and hear that wonderful day.
EMDR Intensives Can Help Us Change How We are Affected by Memory
These stories are examples that we can pull up things that we thought we had long forgotten. Or, we didn’t think they were important to us. As people, we can remember the good and the bad with equal clarity. So, if we could use this to help move memories from the painful to the neutral side of things, that would be equally amazing.
Luckily, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can do just that. It can help us to change how we are affected by our memories. However, I can’t tell you how the specifics of what happens with this on a neurological level. But, I can tell you how the process may impact how you are feeling about things. It can also be done as an adjunct therapy. This means that it can be completed along with traditional talk therapy. Sessions can be done intensively. Or, they can be longer sessions scheduled closer together. This way you can move through things faster than with weekly sessions. As a therapist at Gray Horse Counseling, I am trained in the use and application of EMDR intensives and I am ready to help you begin this process on the road to healing.
Are EMDR Intensives in Virginia Right for Me?
EMDR can be difficult at times. You will be asked to remember some not-so-positive things. So when considering EMDR Therapy here are some questions you may want to ask yourself:
- Do you want to move through therapy at a different pace?
- Are you currently in talk therapy and want something to help you get past a “stuck” place?
- Are you willing to take some risks concerning how you feel and what you can do?
If you answered yes, then EMDR therapy may be a good option for you.
EMDR Intensives
When starting EMDR intensives, the first part is to have an initial meeting.
This is to discuss what you want to cover in your sessions. But, also to see if we believe we can work together. This session is typically an hour and a half long. It allows us to cover questions and concerns about the sessions. You will also receive forms to fill out so I have more information about you before the next session.
The second part will be to schedule the actual intensive sessions.
This takes courage and commitment to face memories you thought you forgot or lost.
To balance out the negative emotions, I will provide positive resources for you to use. These sessions are typically 3 hours long. There will be breaks during the session to allow for stretching and whatever else you may need. During this session, we will go through the eight stages of EMDR. We will continue reprocessing or installing resources depending on what is needed. After a day or so to rest, you will then return to complete two more sessions.
For example, if you scheduled a session on Monday, then the next session would be Wednesday. This is to allow you time to process what happens in the sessions. It is best to schedule at least three processing sessions, although it may take more than a few sessions. It all depends on what happens in each of your sessions.
In the final part, you will come back for a follow-up session.
Which is usually a week after the last session. During this 50-minute session, we discuss the process and what will be best for you moving forward.
How EMDR Intensives in Virginia are Beneficial
EMDR Intensives have many benefits. Each of the three EMDR parts has a very specific point so that you will get the most out of this experience. It also allows us to move through a couple of months of therapy in about a couple of weeks. From start to finish. For example, if you travel a lot, this can be helpful as you can do a lot of therapy in a short period of time. Or, if you are out of state, you can come to do this type of session during a visit.
However, the sessions don’t always have to be about something negative. For example, if you want to improve your riding skills, sports behavior, or public speaking this format may be just the thing to get some results quickly. The flexibility of EMDR in its ability to help with problems is quite extensive. The initial outlay for the intensive session may appear to be more at first glance; however, the long-term changes are well worth the financial cost.
Ready to Start EMDR Intensives in Virginia?
You can change how you think of memories that seem to haunt you. Or, you can change how you feel about your skill in just a few intensive sessions. If you are interested in learning more about how EMDR Intensives Therapy could be beneficial to you, please schedule the initial consultation and begin the journey to feeling better so much sooner.
Reach Out Today and Begin This Exciting Journey to Healing Through EMDR Intensive Therapy
Past trauma has a way of sneaking up on us when we least expect it. Sometimes we can process those memories and move on. However, if you find yourself stuck in these moments and unable to move forward in your life, it may be time to ask for help!
As an online therapist in Virginia, I am here to offer the help and support you need. Together we can work through the situations you are struggling with in life and overcome the depression, anxiety, or other issues you may be facing. Together we can develop new coping skills and strategies. So, let’s figure it out. Consider online therapy in Virginia, individual or group therapy, Trauma Therapy, or meet me for equine-assisted therapy in Powhatan, VA, Let’s get this stuff figured out so you can finally live a better life. Today is the day. What are you waiting for? Contact me now.