EMDR for Relationship Break-Ups
If you have ever been in a relationship that ended you might be all too familiar with how it can very painful to get over memories of hurt and loss after a breakup. It is a reality many of us have to deal with at some point in our life. The best thing to do at a time like this is to let yourself heal from the hurt you experienced and work on yourself. One way to get support through the post-breakup healing process is by doing EMDR therapy.
EMDR therapy stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR is a psychotherapy treatment that was designed to help individuals cope with distress associated with traumatic memories (Shapiro, 1989a, 1989b). This treatment style can help someone to alleviate stress, reframe negative beliefs about oneself, and realize physiological arousal towards memories. EMDR is also fast-paced therapy compared to other traditional therapies.
So, what are the phases of EMDR therapy sessions and what can you expect at EMDR sessions?
Phase 1: Build Rapport, Intake, and Assessment
Phase 2: Discuss self-care and relaxation techniques
Phase 3: Introduction to EMDR technique
Phase 4: Beginning processing and Desensitizing to the memory, situation, thought, or emotions related to the break up (in this example)
Phase 5: measure and evaluate success and progress
Phase 6: termination
Some phases of a breakup can involve resentment, guilt, shame, or self-blame. Both ex-partners may feel “stuck” in negative emotions which can surface as situational depression, anxiety, negative self-talk, self-sabotage, or negative thought patterns. An individual can use EMDR therapy as a way to release the past pain or lingering trauma that has been recorded in our nervous system.
This fast-paced therapy method can help let go of fears that your thought, feelings, or situation will never change. EMDR allows you to process and replace fears with peace of mind and deeper self-awareness about oneself. It can help an individual increase their self-esteem and self-worth.
