Perhaps you know that it’s time to talk to a therapist, but every time you start looking, you give up. This is really normal actually, and it makes sense. Many people feel shame or embarrassment about reaching out to a therapist. Or, maybe you have a hard time trusting people. If you’ve never been to therapy before, talking to a new person about your deepest challenges can be pretty intimidating. However, when you work with our empathetic therapists, you will be met with nonjudgement, empathy, and validation. We’ll work with you at your pace and make sure that you’re comfortable.
What is Trauma?
All of us have encountered trauma or have experienced a traumatic event. But, what is a traumatic event? It is one that has profoundly impacted you emotionally or mentally. Traumatic events often include situations that make you feel unsafe or ashamed. Examples of traumatic events are sexual assault, a violent incident, breakups, strained parent/child relationships in childhood, and bullying. This is not an exhaustive list, but one to point out that trauma includes any situations that have impacted you for years after the fact.
Perhaps there is a particular scent that you remember from the event. If you come across this scent, you may have an emotional reaction that doesn’t seem to make sense at the time. Furthermore, maybe you encounter someone who looks similar to someone who caused you emotional harm, like a past partner who broke up with you. You may feel unsafe and panicky by seeing someone who reminds you of them or looks like them. These situations, people, places, or things that bring up intense emotions tied to trauma are referred to as “triggers,” also known as trauma reactions.
Trauma Symptoms
- Hypervigilance
- Nightmares
- Trauma reminders
- Difficulty sleeping
- Anxiety
- Dissociation
- Paranoia
- Flashbacks
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a research-based treatment for a multitude of mental health issues. This type of therapy has particular stages that you will move through with a therapist. It’s pretty sciency, so if you’d like more information about the EMDR process, you can read a blog post by one of our skilled EMDR therapists.
Bilateral Stimulation
Bilateral stimulation is the process by which a therapist will externally help you connect the emotional and logical sides of your brain. This is done by creating a horizontal, side-to-side movement with your eyes. Your EMDR therapist may move their finger in front of your eyes or tap on your knees. Essentially, they are guiding your brain to begin the healing process using external assistance.
Once bilateral stimulation has begun, your therapist will help you recall the memory and focus on parts that have impacted you. Many clients who have worked with an EMDR therapist claim that this process makes them feel “challenged, yet relieved.” Yes, EMDR therapy is intense, hard work. However, it can change the makeup of your stored memories, giving you freedom from triggers forever.
Our Approach to EMDR in Baltimore, MD
When you work with an EMDR therapist at New Connections, you will focus on getting to the root of the issue you are facing. Often, so many challenges are rooted in buried, unprocessed trauma. So, it makes sense that you may have a feeling of being “off,” but can’t quite put your finger on it. Our EMDR therapists are compassionate and patient. We really care about creating a space where you feel safe to explore trauma and all of its impacts.
Often before starting EMDR therapy, clients feel unworthy and incapable of making positive change. EMDR targets these roadblocks and helps you move through them. This often results in clients’ increased confidence, self-awareness, and capability. We hope to help you overcome challenges and understand your lived experiences more fully, leading you to live a connected, authentic life.
Start Healing with EMDR Therapy in Baltimore, MD
Working with an EMDR therapist at our counseling center in Baltimore, MD can change your life for the better. Plus, you can do EMDR from home using online therapy in Maryland! If you are ready to explore yourself and find healing, follow the steps below to start EMDR therapy.
1. Fill out the appointment request form.
2. Get paired with an experienced EMDR therapist.
3. Find freedom from trauma reactions and triggers
Other Therapy Services at New Connections Counseling Center
EMDR therapy is primarily used to treat trauma and PTSD, but it can also be effective in anxiety treatment, depression treatment, and therapy for sexual assault survivors. In addition to EMDR therapy, we offer counseling for women, men, LGBTQ therapy, and college students at our Baltimore, MD-based therapy practice. Check out our blog to read more from our therapists in Baltimore, MD.
Blog posts for EMDR Therapy
How EMDR Therapy Can Help You Cope With Trauma?
It is likely that, at some point in your life, you will experience some kind of distressing event that impacts your ability to cope. Research indicates that 50% of people experience at least one trauma in their lives. Trauma can appear in our life suddenly, like the...
Who Can Benefit From EMDR Therapy? Reflection from a Baltimore Trauma Therapist
Have you or someone you know experienced trauma? Is it impacting your/their ability to function in daily life? To connect in relationships or be present at the moment? Are you or someone you know experiencing depression and anxiety as a result? Trauma can happen to...
What is EMDR Therapy? 3 Common Questions
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. That’s a mouthful, huh? Well, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. I promise. What Is EMDR? Although EMDR involves many things, the goal is to deal with emotional trauma and other distressing life...