EMDR Therapy Geelong: Help with Grief
Grief is a powerful, often painful and overwhelming emotion that we experience after losing someone we love. Along with sadness, grief can also result in symptoms such as insomnia, loss of appetite, anger, anxiety, feelings of shock, helplessness, and fatigue. EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a therapy mostly associated with treating trauma, however it is showing promising results for providing emotional relief to people suffering with grief.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a type of psychotherapy that helps people process and heal from emotional distress and traumatic experiences. It was developed in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro. Unlike traditional talk therapies, EMDR uses eye movements or other forms of rhythmic, bilateral stimulation (like hand taps or sounds) to help the brain process difficult memories and emotions.
How Does EMDR Work?
When something traumatic happens, the brain can become overwhelmed and unable to process the event normally. This can cause the distressing memory to get stuck, leading to ongoing emotional pain and even symptoms of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). EMDR helps the brain process these “stuck” memories.
During an EMDR session, the therapist will ask the patient to recall the distressing memory while performing a specific type of eye movement, like following the therapist’s hand as it moves back and forth. This process helps to rewire the brain, allowing it to process the traumatic memory in a healthier way. Over time, the memory becomes less vivid and less emotionally charged.
How Can EMDR Help with Grief?
Grief can involve complex feelings and memories. EMDR helps by allowing individuals to process these painful emotions and memories without becoming overwhelmed.
Grieving individuals often experience intense emotions such as sadness, anger, or guilt. EMDR can help reduce the intensity of these feelings, making them more manageable.
For many, part of grief is dealing with unresolved issues or saying goodbye. EMDR can help individuals work through these feelings, providing a sense of closure and peace.
Grief can interfere with daily life, affecting sleep, work, and relationships. By helping to process and heal from the loss, EMDR can improve overall functioning and quality of life.
Is EMDR Right for You?
EMDR is not for everyone, but it has been proven effective for many people dealing with grief and trauma. If you’re struggling with the weight of loss and traditional therapies haven’t provided relief, it may be worth exploring EMDR with a qualified therapist.
Grief is a personal journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. EMDR offers a unique, effective method that might help you move forward, honouring your loved one’s memory while finding peace and strength in your own life.
If you would like further information, please contact our reception at Mindwell Psychology on 03 5215 6262 to speak with one of our highly trained Psychologists.