You can never predict when you’ll feel anxious and panicky; or feel stuck as though “it” is happening all over again.  As much as you try to put it behind you, the feelings can come back when you least expect it. 

Most people find relief when they learn that this is a natural response to trauma.  This is because when you experienced the trauma, your brain didn’t know how to make sense of it.  So instead of processing the event as usual, your brain stashed the memory in a “junk drawer” (so to speak).  We all have a junk drawer!  It’s that place where you put things where you don’t really know where they go! 

The downside to this is that the memories in the junk drawer are stored with the same thoughts, feelings, emotions (and sometimes even the same physical sensations) as when the event originally occurred.  Because the incident is not stored correctly, anytime something similar to the memory occurs, it may trigger a resurgence of the old memory (with the same thoughts, feelings, emotions and physical sensations)!  Dreams of the trauma are also common.  In the extreme form, someone can experience "flashbacks," which is when someone re-experiences a memory and becomes so absorbed, they do not realize that the incident is not actually happening to them.  

EMDR THERAPY CAN HELP

The goal of this therapy is to take emotionally charged material and allow your mind to reprocess it into long term memory.  It takes the memory from the junk drawer and creates a new place for it.  The event is no longer a defining moment - but just something that happened; and is over now!  While you will still remember what happened to you, you won't feel the same intensity of emotional distress you did prior to participating in treatment.  EMDR can also help people work through strong negative beliefs about themselves that may be driving symptoms of anxiety and depression.

MEET online WITH AN EMDRIA CERTIFIED PSYCHOLOGIST

My name is Cassandra and I’m a certified EMDR therapist. I am also an approved consultant through EMDRIA - which means that I help other EMDR therapists strengthen their EMDR skill sets.

There are so many counselors out there and you don’t want just anyone treating your PTSD symptoms.  Some clinicians attempt EMDR after only attending a workshop which can actually create more trauma in clients. You want someone who has obtained extensive training in EMDR.  You want someone who has treated a variety of traumatic experiences and who can respond to whatever happens during trauma processing.  You need someone who can immediately intervene if the treatment is blocked, stuck or distressing.  You will be working on things that are sensitive and painful - and you want someone who will help you feel better, not worse.