Suffers of Migraines and headaches know full well the often debilitating impact they can have on quality of life.
Affecting people usually during the most productive years of their lives, between the ages of 35 and 55, the pain takes a financial toll as well. The World Health Organization’s disability rating for migraine, ranks migraine as the 19th most common reason for disability.
Compared to people who do not suffer from the disorder, Migraine suffers use twice the amount of prescription drugs and visit their doctors and emergency rooms twice as often. (source: https://migraine.com/migraine-statistics/).
There is hope!
Research has demonstrated that Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can significantly decrease the use of pain medications and ER visits (Konuk et al., 2011).
What is EMDR?
An integrative therapeutic approach, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has been extensively researched and proven to be effective for the treatment of trauma. EMDR consists of utilizing standardized EMDR protocols that incorporate elements from many different treatment approaches. (source: http://www.emdria.org/?page=emdr_therapy)
What types of problems can we use EMDR for?
1. Pain Management:
- Headaches and Migraines: EMDR can help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches and migraines by addressing the underlying stress and tension that contribute to these conditions.
- Chronic Pain: By targeting stress-related pain, EMDR can help alleviate physical discomfort and promote relaxation.
2. Stress and Tension Reduction:
- Chronic Stress: EMDR can assist in reducing the physical effects of chronic stress, such as muscle tension and fatigue.
- Relaxation and Calm: By processing stress-related experiences, EMDR can enhance relaxation and promote a sense of calm.
3. Sleep Improvement:
- Insomnia: EMDR can help address stress and tension that may contribute to sleep disturbances, leading to improved sleep quality.
- Better Sleep Patterns: Promoting relaxation through EMDR can result in more consistent and restful sleep.
4. Enhancing Wellness and Mind-Body Connection:
- Mindfulness and Relaxation: EMDR supports mindfulness practices by helping individuals process stress and enhance their mind-body connection.
- Overall Well-being: By reducing stress and physical tension, EMDR contributes to a greater sense of well-being and balance.
5. Supporting Healthy Lifestyle Changes:
- Stress Management: Using EMDR to process stress can support clients in making healthier lifestyle choices, such as improved diet and exercise routines.
- Enhanced Coping Mechanisms: EMDR can help individuals develop better coping mechanisms for dealing with everyday stressors, supporting overall health.
What can you expect during EMDR treatment?
EMDR sessions typically take 60 to 90 minutes. We recommend that you attend sessions at least once per week. The EMDR approach is utilized during and following an intake/assessment session. While your therapy may integrate other therapeutic interventions, such as mindfulness-based interventions, and nutrition and lifestyle, EMDR is the focused approach.
Who provides EMDR?
Both myself, Dr. Charlotte Test and my husband/partner, Dr. Timothy Test are fully trained through the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA.org). We have received training through EMDRIA and additional specialty training such as Migraines and Headaches.
To schedule an appointment please contact us today!
Resources
Konuk, E., Epözdemir, H., Hacıömeroğlu Atçeken, Ş., Aydın, Y. E., & Yurtsever, A. (2011). EMDR treatment of migraine. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 5(4), 166-176.