EMDR for Depression: How it is Beneficial
Perhaps you have heard of EMDR, but you're not sure how it can help with depression. Or, maybe your depression therapist has suggested giving it a try. But you're not entirely sure what it is and how it can be beneficial.
You want to find a way to manage and overcome your depression but you want to make an informed decision. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what EMDR is, how it can be of benefit to those with depression, and the potential benefits of trying it.
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. This therapy technique was developed in the late 1980s by psychotherapist Francine Shapiro. This therapy is based on the idea that our brains are constantly processing information. However, sometimes our processing systems can get stuck which can result in an emotional or physical reaction to a trigger. It is primarily known for working with traumatic memories and helping to reduce the intensity of a negative response.
It is a type of therapy that has become popular for treating trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. It involves the use of eye movements, which are typically performed by the patient following a guided set of instructions from the EMDR therapist. The goal is to help the patient process the negative thoughts and feelings related to the traumatic event in order to reduce the intensity of their emotional reaction. So that you can process the thoughts and feelings in a more helpful way. Or lessen symptoms of depression.
How Can EMDR Help with Depression?
Depression is often linked to unresolved trauma or difficult experiences from the past. It can also be due to unprocessed emotions and/or negative beliefs that have been held on to for a long time. EMDR can help to process those experiences and reframe them in a more positive way. Allowing the individual to acknowledge the pain of the past and move on from it.
Additionally, EMDR can be used to address underlying issues that are contributing to depression, such as anxiety or low self-esteem. By also targeting these areas, it allows the individual to start to shift their perspective and create a healthier outlook on life.
For example, when treating an individual's depression, EMDR can be used to address negative beliefs such as “I’m not good enough”, and help the individual to create new, more positive beliefs such as “I am worthy of love and respect.” It can also help to reframe traumatic experiences from the past, such as childhood trauma, and allow the individual to start to talk about it in a more constructive way.
What are the Benefits of EMDR for Depression?
There are numerous benefits to treating depression with EMDR. It helps to reduce symptoms of low self-esteem and anxiety, which can then begin to reduce symptoms of depression. Additionally, it can help you to process traumatic experiences from your past in a more positive way, which can help to relieve some of the symptoms of depression. Especially, since the traumatic experiences may be contributing to the depression.
This will allow you to create healthier perspectives and beliefs, which can then help you to start feeling better about yourself and in turn, reduce symptoms of depression. Additionally, EMDR can help you to manage and cope with difficult emotions that may be contributing to your depression, such as anger, sadness, guilt, or shame. For example, it can help you to understand where these emotions are coming from and how to deal with them in a healthier way.
Begin EMDR for Depression in California
Depression can be debilitating and it can make life feel unmanageable. But EMDR can help you to start to manage your depression in a healthy way. To help you reframe your negative thoughts and beliefs, process trauma from the past, and create healthier perspectives. If you’re ready to take the next step towards healing with EMDR for depression follow these steps.
Contact me for a therapy consultation
Have your first appointment with a depression therapist
Start reducing symptoms of depression with EMDR!
Other Online Therapy Services I Offer in California
At my Pleasanton, California-based therapy practice, I specialize in helping people recover from PTSD, CPTSD, and trauma. I also provide emotional trauma therapy, anxiety treatment, and depression treatment. One of the techniques I use is EMDR for depression, PTSD, anxiety, & trauma. As an online therapist, all of my mental health services are available to any California resident through online therapy.