Have you had some bad experiences lately in Los Angeles? These can sometimes be weathered without a great deal of fall-out showing up in our lives.Perhaps we have gotten through lots of difficulties, and managed pretty well. Then along comes something that overwhelms us. It may not seem as bad as some of the other things we’ve been through. Or it may have been terrifying. But now we are beset with flashbacks, nightmares, insomnia, irrational thoughts, and in general, we feel “out of control.”
This confusing set of problems may make a person think he or she is going crazy. No. Not true. It is simply post-traumatic stress disorder, which commonly has a potential hodge-podge of 33 symptoms according to the Traumatic Stress Inventory. Not all people have the same symptoms, but they do feel like life many never be the same. It is a scary condition. The good news is that there are successful treatments for resolving traumas large and small.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) both have been found effective enough that the prestigious Cochran Review recommends that PTSD sufferers be offered EMDR or CBT.
I am an EMDR therapist, so I am biased. But I like the fact that EMDR works in 1/3 to 1/2 the time of CBT. I also like the fact that EMDR has significant Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) findings, while CBT shows none of these. PTG includes increased self-esteem, better relationships, more positive view of the meaning of life. This is based on good randomized controlled studies, which are generally not biased as I am. (And I take a little bit of pleasure from the fact that my biases are supported by research!)
I believe in EMDR, and particularly in EMDRIA Certified EMDR therapists. I have hosted a web directory since 2006. Many people told me that they sought the promise of EMDR, but were disappointed by the EMDR “expert” they went to. I asked, “Was that therapist EMDRIA Certified?” “I didn’t know to ask” is the usual answer. And I go on to ask if their therapist offered the 8 steps of the standard protocol (and then described the steps). “No, she/he didn’t do that,” is the common reply. So I break the news to the client: “you did not really receive EMDR. You received a partial attempt, and I believe that is one key reason it didn’t work”. Other people reported they were introduced to EMDR faster than their early history of trauma would caution against, and had a bad reaction.
Our Laguna Beach and Newport Beach Certified EMDR therapists know how to keep you safe as you progress in your healing, and give you the best that EMDR has to offer. ComprehensiveTherapyApproach.com lists only EMDRIA-Certified EMDR Therapists. Please click on the word “Huntington Beach or Newport Beach” below to find caring Certified EMDR therapists who would love to help you on your healing journey:
