Did you know that counseling can help you manage chronic pain? EMDR treatment in Houston for chronic pain is a drug-free treatment that can help you decrease your symptoms of pain and manage the severity of your pain. It is hard for some people to imagine, and it is not completely understood how it works, but we have seen great results for chronic pain with EMDR treatment in Texas. Read on to find out more about EDMR treatment for chronic pain conditions.
EMDR Treatment for Chronic Pain Conditions in Houston, TX
Chronic pain is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and it can be incredibly debilitating. It can impact your quality of life, limit your activities, and cause significant emotional distress. If you are dealing with chronic pain, you know how hopeless it can make you feel. It can make it feel nearly impossible to plan or feel confident in making plans because you never know when the pain will hit you. This can make you feel anxious and depressed.
Traditional treatments such as medication and physical therapy may not always provide long-term relief, which is why many people with chronic pain turn to alternative therapies, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in Houston, TX. EMDR can also be used in conjunction with other medical treatments as well as physical therapy. Working in therapeutic teams with your EMDR counselor and other medical providers gives you the best chance of managing your pain well.
EMDR is a form of therapy that has been used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. However, it has also been shown to be effective in treating chronic pain conditions. In this post, we will discuss what EMDR is, how it works, and how it can help with chronic pain.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a type of therapy that was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It involves a series of bilateral eye movements, sounds, or taps that are used to help the brain process traumatic memories or events that have become "stuck" or "frozen" in the person's mind. The bilateral eye movements can help stimulate both sides of the brain. It is similar to what happens in REM sleep. If you have ever tried traditional talk therapy and it has not helped, EMDR might be exactly what you need. EMDR can help reduce the intensity and frequency of symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety.
How does EMDR work for chronic pain?
EMDR is based on the idea that physical pain can be related to psychological distress, including trauma, anxiety, and depression. When someone experiences chronic pain, it can become a part of their identity, and they may develop negative beliefs about themselves and their ability to manage their pain. EMDR can help break the cycle of negative thinking and provide relief from chronic pain by addressing the underlying emotional and psychological factors.
During an EMDR session, the therapist will ask you to recall a traumatic event or memory that is related to your pain. While you hold that memory in mind, the therapist will then begin the bilateral stimulation, such as asking the patient to follow the therapist's fingers moving back and forth or listen to a sound that alternates from ear to ear. This bilateral stimulation is thought to help the brain process the traumatic memory and reduce the emotional and physical distress associated with it. If you are not familiar with it, this may sound odd, but it is well-researched and highly effective, especially for persistent trauma that has not improved with other therapies.
The Houston EMDR therapist will continue the bilateral stimulation until you report a decrease in distress related to the traumatic/painful memory. Over time, this process can help the patient develop new, more positive beliefs about themselves and their ability to manage their pain. It can also reduce the intensity and frequency of their physical pain.
What are the benefits of EMDR for chronic pain?
EMDR can be a non-invasive and medication-free alternative to traditional pain management treatments. While medication and physical therapy can be helpful, they may not always provide long-term relief, and they can come with unwanted side effects. EMDR can be a safe and effective option for those who want to explore alternative treatments for their chronic pain.
What pain conditions can be treated with EMDR?
EMDR is effective in treating a wide range of chronic pain conditions, including back pain, fibromyalgia, and migraines. It can provide relief from pain, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve the overall quality of life. EMDR can also help you develop coping strategies to manage your pain and improve your ability to engage in activities you enjoy.
why EMDR works and how it can provide relief:
The exact mechanism of how EMDR works is still not fully understood, but it is believed that by reprocessing traumatic memories and associated emotions, EMDR can facilitate the brain's natural healing processes. This can lead to a decrease in emotional and physical distress, negative beliefs, and behaviors associated with the trauma.
By addressing the underlying emotional and psychological factors, EMDR can help individuals develop positive coping strategies and beliefs, which can in turn help manage chronic pain and improve their overall quality of life. EMDR provides relief from chronic pain conditions by reducing the intensity and frequency of your pain symptoms, decreasing anxiety and depression, and promoting the development of new, more positive beliefs about yourself and your ability to manage your pain.
Tired of chronic pain? EMDR in Houston can help.
If you are feeling hopeless because of chronic pain, this might be a good option. If you want to know more about EMDR treatment for chronic pain in Houston, TX, please contact us. You can get started on the road to feeling some relief from the pain and starting to feel more like your old self again.