EMDR

What is EMDR?

EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a form of structured therapy that uses bilateral stimulation (BLS) that allows people to “metabolize” their trauma history but also change limiting belief systems, unhelpful behaviors or unwanted thoughts and emotions. Through EMDR therapy you can also learn to manage triggers and/or symptoms.

BLS can be in the form of eye-movement, alternatingly tapping on your knees or shoulders, alternating sounds etc. which will allow both hemispheres of your brain to communicate effectively and heal. Your therapist will guide you and allow space to process it safely.

EMDR therapy can reduce symptoms of traumatic stress and PTSD and prevent symptoms from worsening.

Stress, PTSD, Trauma and Depression in First Responders

Chronically experiencing traumatic situations and the high levels of stress associated with a profession might eventually harm one's mind and emotions. If the trauma is not addressed, first responders may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can cause problems with relationships, sleep, and physical health. 

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) about 30% of first responders will develop PTSD and will attempt to self-medicate with alcohol.

Due to the perceived stigma associated with mental health, many first responders might not receive the care they require. It's critical to dispel stigma and educate people about trauma as a typical human reaction to a distressing, atypical event in order to combat this. Rates of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse are exponentially higher amongst first responders when compared to the general public.

EMDR & First Responders 

First responders who are coping with trauma may benefit from using EMDR as part of a comprehensive therapy plan.

First responders can specifically benefit from EMDR by learning how to recognize all indications of mental health problems, increase distress tolerance and recover from past events.

The fact that EMDR does not significantly rely on conversation therapy is one of its benefits. There is no need to summarize the trauma, which for some can be triggering or even re- traumatizing. 

EMDR can frequently be completed in less sessions than many conventional talk therapy techniques, which is accommodating to first responders’ hectic schedules. 

For first responders to rehabilitate, continue to do their jobs successfully and securely, and save other people's lives, EMDR can be a great fit. 

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Sources:

https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing

https://www.emdria.org/group/emdr-for-first-responders-protective-services-personnel/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18459532/

Trauma- Informed Services! What’s that?

What is a trauma-informed service?

We offer “trauma-informed” services. What exactly does that mean?

At IWTW, we understand the physical, psychological, mental, and emotional impact of trauma and the role it plays in a person’s life. Our intent is to ensure that our space is welcoming and engaging to our clients. We aim for you to feel safe, seen and heard and hope to help you heal both body and mind.

What is considered trauma?

Many may define trauma as an “emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, sexual assault, or natural disaster.”

We define trauma as anything that has left a negative impact on you, no matter how big or small. It can change the way you view yourself, others, and the world around you.

A trauma-informed approach

Trauma-Informed Care is led by five Guiding Principles that serve as a framework for how service providers and care systems can work together to lessen the risk of re- traumatization. 

The Five Guiding Principles are; safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness and empowerment. (what’s the source?)

With that in mind, both therapist and client work together in a framework of wellbeing which also provides better clinical outcomes when implemented. Providing a safe environment, physically and emotionally, allows for an open and honest therapeutic relationship while choice, collaboration, trustworthiness and empowerment provide respect for one another and the client’s narrative. These principles also ensure that the client is in charge of the treatment, so that IWTW’s therapists will guide, rather than direct and center the care around each client’s needs. This will allow for a natural or organic process of healing. 

Trauma-informed goals

People require a sense of security and accommodations to make them feel welcome and comfortable in therapy or counseling sessions. As for our targeted clients—first responders, helpers and healers—can benefit from trauma-informed care as it provides a safe space for them to be treated as people first and can provide a toolkit to overcome their anxieties of stigma and differential treatment. Overall, the goal is to understand their jobs and the dangerous challenges they face on a daily basis while also realizing that "the job" is only one part of their identity and he or she may want to heal concerns not only related to work.

Listening and validating our client’s feelings and viewpoints is key. Throughout the counseling process the emphasis is on the client’s needs, and placed on the five guiding principles: safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness and empowerment. 

Many people who suffer from trauma struggle to maintain positive, open relationships with their health care providers, however, trauma- informed care can help to break this barrier and cultivate a natural and safe healing process. 

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Sources:

Summary from Harris, M. & Fallot, R. (2001). Using trauma theory to design service systems. New directions in mental health services, Jossey-Bass, 89, Spring.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207195/