What is Trauma:

Many people mistakenly believe that trauma only stems from extreme events like war, abuse, or natural disasters. However, the reality is much broader. Trauma can be caused by any experience that leaves someone feeling overwhelmed, unsafe, or powerless. This can include seemingly less dramatic events like bullying, neglect, chronic illness, or even the loss of a loved one, even through non-violent means.

The key factor is the individual's perception and ability to cope.  Trauma can also arise from the absence of positive experiences, such as a lack of emotional support or a caregiver's inability to provide a sense of safety and security.  Essentially, trauma is about unmet needs and a sense of disconnection from a safe and secure environment, and it can stem from both negative events and the absence of positive ones.

How EMDR Works:

When someone experiences traumatic or disturbing experiences the memories can become "stuck" in the brain, preventing them from being processed effectively. These unprocessed memories can lead to a variety of psychological and emotional difficulties, including flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and avoidance behaviors.

EMDR harnesses the brains natural ability to heal itself. When traumatic memories become ‘stuck’ EMDR helps to facilitate the natural healing process in the same way that a cast helps broken bones heal properly

EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation, most commonly in the eye movements, while you recall a distressing memory. This bilateral stimulation activating both sides of the brain and allowing them to communicate more effectively, facilitating the reprocessing of the memory and allowing it to be integrated in a more adaptive way. While eye movements are the most common form of bilateral stimulation, other methods may be used, such as tapping or auditory tones.