Effective Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment

EMDR is particularly effective with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD often occurs after experiences such as military combat, physical assault, rape, or car accidents.

Designated as an effective treatment by the American Psychiatric Association, World Health Organization, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and other international health agencies, EMDR has helped over two million people of all ages relieve many types of psychological distress.

Example of EMDR

For example, a combat soldier returns home from serving in the Iraq War. At a July Fourth fireworks display, he involuntarily ducks, avoiding “gunfire.” EMDR takes present challenges (the soldier’s heightened sense of danger around him), which are the result of past distressing memories (the soldier’s experience in a combat zone) that have become “frozen” or stuck in the brain. Using eye movement or some type of bilateral stimulation (snapping fingers, tapping, etc.) the therapist imitates Rapid Eye Movement (REM), the body’s natural way of relieving the day’s stress. The therapist will ask the soldier to recall the distressing memory (coming under gunfire overseas) and then follow his or her fingers as they move back and forth. EMDR helps the brain “digest” the stored image, thought, belief, feeling, or sensation. The soldier will still remember the disturbing event, but does not react like it is happening again when he encounters a trigger (such as fireworks) in the environment.

Irrational Beliefs Attached to Trauma

“It is not the actual trauma but the resulting irrational beliefs attached to traumatic memories that cause distress. Because you are dealing with beliefs, a ripple effect comes into play,” said Donna Rininger, LMHC, MCAP, Director of Specialty Services.

She said old experiences govern how a person reacts in present-day situations. EMDR therapy causes rapid change, regardless of how long memories have been stored or how negative an affect the experience had on the person. The outcome is the same.

“Because we are dealing with beliefs developed throughout a person’s life, EMDR therapy not only resolves traumatic memory, but improves how a person feels about themselves. It’s very rewarding for a therapist to witness such positive change taking place in a therapy session,” Donna said.

Abbreviated Technique for First Responders

A new abbreviated technique known as Acute Traumatic Incident Processing (A-TIP) is being developed for first responders who may encounter survivors suffering from acute traumatic stress.

“Given Peace River Center’s strong partnership with local law enforcement agencies and first responders, the A-TIP technique will definitely be a good fit for our organization,” said Donna.

For more information on EMDR services at Peace River Center call 863.519.0575 ext. 7298.