Yes!
In short answer to your question, yes! EMDR Therapy targets the past, present, and the future. When you have had a recent event in your life that is traumatic, your EMDR therapist will use a recent events protocol to help you overcome the trauma. I have had clients who come to me with a recent trauma that has occurred who think “this will stay with me for the rest of my life,” “this has ruined me,” or “I will never get over this.” I am happy to report that for most of these clients, within approximately 2 months time or 8 sessions, they are able to view the recent trauma calmly.
What Can I Expect When Being Treated for a Recent Trauma?
Your therapist will work with you to build a treatment plan around the recent event. You will tell the story of the traumatic incident out loud while using some form of bilateral stimulation. Once this is done, you will scan the whole episode, looking for anything that is disturbing to you. These disturbances are then referred to as points of disturbance and are targeted to be reprocessed. When focusing on a specific point of disturbance you will first describe it to your therapist, attach any negative words that go with the point of disturbance that you feel about yourself now, figure out how you would like to think about it instead, notice any emotions that come up around the point of disturbance, evaluate the level of distress you feel, and locate what is coming up for you in your body. When targeting a point of disturbance the length of using bilateral stimulation is shorter, often approximately 15 seconds. This helps you to stay focused on the point of disturbance you are working to resolve. Once all points of disturbance related to the event are resolved, you will do a full body scan in relation to the whole episode. After this, your therapist will check in to see what your level of distress is related to the whole traumatic incident.
Effectiveness of EMDR for Recent Trauma
Research and clinical experience suggest that EMDR therapy can be particularly effective for recent traumatic experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on processing the traumatic memories on a brain level, which may lead to quicker symptom relief and resolution. Many individuals report a reduction in trauma-related symptoms, improved emotional regulation, and a greater sense of empowerment and resilience following EMDR sessions.
Is EMDR Therapy Right for You?
If you’ve recently experienced a trauma and find yourself struggling with intrusive memories, anxiety, or other trauma-related symptoms, EMDR therapy could be a valuable option to consider. It’s important to consult with a qualified EMDR therapist who can assess your specific needs and determine if this approach aligns with your treatment goals.
Facing the aftermath of a recent trauma can be challenging, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. EMDR therapy offers a structured and evidence-based approach to processing traumatic memories and reducing associated distress. By targeting the root of the trauma at a neurological level, EMDR can help facilitate healing and restore a sense of control and well-being. If you’re considering EMDR therapy, reach out to Liminal Counselling in Ajax, ON to explore how it can support your journey toward recovery. EMDR therapy is a promising trauma-focused therapy, offering hope and relief to those navigating the aftermath of recent traumatic experiences.
