What Circumstances And Conditions Can Be Treated By EMDR?
Many patients falsely believe that they only need EMDR after enduring a major, catastrophic event in their life. Such events could be a terrible car accident, death of a loved one, violent attack or sexual assault.
However, this is not the case. In regards to EMDR treatment, there is a concept known as “Big T Trauma” and “ Small T Trauma”. The examples listed above are considered Big T Traumas and are common types of reasons someone may require EMDR treatment.
Small T traumas may include a break-up, getting fired from a job, difficult relationship, a major interpersonal conflict or disappointment, experiencing a failure or an event where one is humiliated or embarrassed to name a few. In these cases, EMDR is extremely useful and can often be an efficient treatment modality for these lesser traumatic events. EMDR is very effective in the treatment of procrastination, avoidance, and phobias and can also be very helpful in treating depression, anxiety, stress, and substance abuse issues.
If you feel stuck in a situation or in emotional reactions that feel old, compulsive, familiar and may be somewhat extreme, chances are there is a traumatic situation attached to it. Whether it is due to something big or small, the trauma you experienced may make you a good candidate for EMDR.