If you’ve been grappling with chronic pain, you know it can feel like an endless battle. The physical discomfort is one thing, but the emotional and psychological toll can be just as overwhelming. What if I told you that there's a way to address not just the physical pain but the emotional baggage that comes with it? Enter Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR—a therapy that's gaining popularity for its effectiveness in managing chronic pain. In this post, we’ll explore how EMDR works, why it’s particularly useful for chronic pain, and what you can expect if you decide to give it a try.
What Is EMDR?
Before diving into its application for chronic pain, let’s first understand what EMDR is. Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR is a psychotherapy technique that was initially designed to help individuals process traumatic memories and PTSD. However, over the years, it has expanded its reach to address many different types of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and even—chronic pain.
The process of EMDR involves recalling distressing memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation (stimulating both the left and right sides of the brain), usually through guided eye movements in a therapy session. The theory is that this dual attention task helps to reprocess and desensitize the traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact. That means you still can remember difficult things, but they no longer feel triggering or upsetting in the same intense way. You can read more about what to expect from EDMR therapy in this blog post.
Chronic Pain is More Than Just a Physical Symptom
Chronic pain is a complex condition that often involves an interplay of physical, emotional, and psychological factors. Pain can be deeply intertwined with past trauma, negative beliefs about oneself, and emotional distress.
For instance, someone who has been in a car accident may experience chronic pain long after the physical injuries have healed. This pain might be perpetuated by the brain’s memory of the trauma, emotional stress, and even subconscious beliefs about vulnerability and danger. In those cases, treating the physical symptoms alone may not be enough. The emotional and psychological aspects of pain need to be addressed too—and that’s where EMDR comes in.
How EMDR Works for Chronic Pain in Houston
You might wonder, "How can something that sounds like it's for trauma help with pain in my body?" The connection lies in the brain's ability to process and store memories, including those related to physical pain. EMDR aims to reprocess these pain-related memories, reducing their intensity and the associated physical sensations.
Here’s a breakdown of how EMDR can help chronic pain:
Targeting Pain-Related Memories: Chronic pain can sometimes be linked to past traumatic events. EMDR helps to reprocess these memories, reducing their emotional charge and, in turn, the pain associated with them. Therapy can help you get emotional distance from past trauma including trauma that led to chronic pain or the trauma of being in intense pain.
Altering Negative Beliefs: Chronic pain often comes with negative beliefs about oneself, such as “I’m weak” or “I’m broken.” EMDR can help to identify and alter these beliefs, replacing them with more positive and empowering ones. Your beliefs directly cause you to have more positive or negative feelings. Trading out negative beliefs for positive ones can make you more resilient.
Reducing Emotional Distress: The stress and anxiety that often accompany chronic pain can exacerbate the physical symptoms. EMDR works to alleviate this emotional distress, which can lead to a reduction in pain. There is often a direct correlation between being more upset and feeling more pain.
Promoting Relaxation: The bilateral stimulation used in EMDR, such as eye movements or tapping, can induce a state of relaxation. This can help to calm the nervous system, reducing the perception of pain. People are often surprised by how relaxed they feel when they do the
Creating a New Narrative: Through EMDR, individuals can create a new narrative around their pain, one that is less rooted in fear and helplessness and more in control and resilience.
EMDR vs. Traditional Talk Therapy for Chronic Pain
Traditional talk therapy is often used to help individuals cope with chronic pain, but it has its limitations. While talk therapy can provide valuable support and coping strategies, it may not always address the underlying trauma or negative beliefs that contribute to chronic pain.
EMDR, on the other hand, goes beyond just talking about the pain. It actively engages the brain’s processing systems, targeting the root causes of pain, and reprocessing them in a way that can lead to lasting change. In this sense, EMDR can be a powerful complement to traditional therapy, offering a more holistic approach to pain management. If talk therapy has not worked for you, EMDR might be a great option.
What to Expect in an EMDR Session for Chronic Pain
If you’re considering EMDR for chronic pain, you might be curious about what the process looks like. Here’s a general outline of what you can expect:
Assessment: Your therapist will begin by getting to know your history, including any past trauma, your experience with chronic pain, and your current emotional state. This helps to identify the specific memories and beliefs that may be contributing to your pain.
Preparation: Before diving into the reprocessing phase, your therapist will ensure you feel safe and supported. This may involve teaching you some grounding techniques to manage any distress that might arise during the session.
Reprocessing: This is the core of EMDR therapy. You’ll be asked to recall a distressing memory related to your pain while engaging in bilateral stimulation. This might involve following the therapist’s finger with your eyes, listening to alternating sounds, or feeling taps on your hands.
Desensitization: As the memory is reprocessed, its emotional intensity should begin to decrease. Over time, this can lead to a reduction in the physical sensation of pain as well.
Installation: Once the distressing memory has been desensitized, your therapist will work with you to install more positive beliefs about yourself and your ability to manage pain.
Body Scan: After reprocessing, you’ll be asked to do a “body scan” to see if any residual tension or pain remains. This helps to ensure that the work done in the session has been fully integrated.
Closure: The session will end with grounding techniques to help you return to a state of calm before leaving the therapist’s office.
Ongoing Work: EMDR is usually done over several sessions. Each session builds on the last, gradually reducing the emotional and physical intensity of your pain.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate for EMDR?
While EMDR can be incredibly effective for many people, it’s not suitable for everyone. Understanding who might not be a good candidate is crucial for ensuring that the therapy is both safe and effective.
Severe Mental Health Conditions: Individuals with certain severe mental health conditions, such as active psychosis or dissociative disorders, may not be good candidates for EMDR. The intense focus on distressing memories can sometimes exacerbate symptoms or lead to further dissociation. We recommend you work on the dissociation with a therapist first and then you can be reassessed to see if you are appropriate for EMDR.
Unresolved Emotional Trauma: For some, diving directly into EMDR may not be advisable if they have significant unresolved emotional trauma. In such cases, it might be better to begin with traditional talk therapy to build emotional stability before attempting EMDR.
Unwillingness to Engage: EMDR requires active participation and a willingness to confront difficult memories and emotions. If a person is not ready or willing to engage fully in the process, EMDR may not be the right approach for them at that time.
Potential Negative Outcomes of EMDR
While EMDR is generally considered safe, like any therapy, it can have side effects or negative outcomes, particularly if not done properly or with a qualified therapist.
Emotional Distress: Since EMDR involves recalling distressing memories, it can sometimes lead to intense emotional distress during or after the sessions. This is usually temporary, but it can be unsettling.
Physical Symptoms: Some people might experience physical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or nausea after EMDR sessions. These symptoms typically resolve on their own, but they can be uncomfortable.
Temporary Increase in Symptoms: In some cases, symptoms might temporarily worsen before they improve. This is often a sign that deep-seated issues are being processed, but it can be challenging for the individual going through it. Your therapist will assess you when you first meet and can help you learn to decrease your symptoms and have better coping skills before beginning EMDR.
Do You Feel Weird After EMDR?
It's not uncommon to feel "weird" or different after an EMDR session. Many people report feeling emotionally drained or physically tired, which is normal. This feeling often comes from the intense emotional work that EMDR involves. Some describe it as feeling "lighter" or as though a weight has been lifted. However, this can also be accompanied by a sense of disorientation or unease, especially immediately after the session. The negative feelings usually don’t last more than a few hours, but the relief seems to be ongoing.
It’s important to give yourself time to rest and recover after EMDR. Your therapist might suggest engaging in self-care activities, such as taking a walk, journaling, or practicing mindfulness, to help ground yourself after a session.
what is the Success Rate of EMDR Therapy for Chronic Pain?
The success rate of EMDR therapy for chronic pain is promising but varies depending on several factors, including the individual’s history, the severity of their pain, and their level of engagement in the therapy process.
Research suggests that EMDR can significantly reduce pain levels in individuals with chronic pain, particularly when the pain is linked to past trauma. Studies have shown that many people experience a noticeable reduction in pain after a series of EMDR sessions, with some reporting lasting relief. However, as with any therapy, results can vary.
How Long Does It Take for EMDR in houston to Be Effective for Reducing Chronic Pain?
The timeline for seeing results from EMDR therapy can vary widely. Some people may notice improvements after just a few sessions, while others may require several months of therapy to see significant changes.
On average, many clients begin to see a reduction in pain after about six to twelve sessions. However, this can depend on the complexity of the issues being addressed, the individual’s readiness for change, and the frequency of the sessions. It’s important to approach EMDR with patience and an open mind, understanding that healing is a process that takes time.
Are EMDR Results Permanent?
One of the key benefits of EMDR is that the results can be long-lasting, if not permanent. By reprocessing and desensitizing traumatic memories and associated pain, EMDR can lead to enduring changes in how the brain processes pain.
However, it’s worth noting that while EMDR can provide significant relief, it doesn’t "erase" memories or emotions. Instead, it changes how these memories are stored in the brain, making them less distressing and reducing their impact on your physical and emotional well-being. Ongoing self-care and, in some cases, booster sessions may be recommended to maintain the benefits of EMDR.
Combining EMDR with Other Pain Management Strategies
While EMDR can be a powerful tool for managing chronic pain, it’s often most effective when combined with other strategies. Here are a few complementary approaches:
Physical Therapy: Working with a physical therapist can help to address the physical aspects of chronic pain, such as muscle tension and weakness.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices like mindfulness meditation can help to reduce the perception of pain and improve your overall emotional well-being.
Medication: In some cases, medication may be necessary to manage pain. This can be discussed with your healthcare provider in conjunction with EMDR therapy.
Exercise: Regular exercise, particularly activities that have less impact or are gentler on the body like yoga or swimming, can help to reduce pain and improve your overall quality of life. If you have pain, working with a physical therapist who is informed about chronic pain, can help you find the right kind of exercise.
Support Groups: Connecting with others who are experiencing chronic pain can provide valuable emotional support and practical advice.
Taking the First Step Towards Healing Chronic Pain in Houston
Living with chronic pain can be incredibly challenging, but it’s important to remember that you don’t have to face it alone. EMDR offers a unique and powerful approach to pain management that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of pain. If you’re in Houston and looking for a way to take control of your pain, EMDR could be the key to finding relief.
Taking the first step towards healing can be daunting, but it’s also the most important. Whether you’re ready to dive into EMDR or just exploring your options, know that help is available, and you deserve to live where chronic pain doesn’t control so many of your choices. Reach out to Wilson Counseling today and start your journey towards a healthier, happier you.
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OTHER THERAPY SERVICES WE OFFER IN HOUSTON, TX
In addition to EMDR Therapy, Trauma Therapy, and PTSD Treatment, we have other mental health services that we offer at our Houston, TX counseling office. Our services are available for adults, children, and teens. For individuals, we offer Anxiety Treatment, Couples and Marriage Therapy, Eating Disorder Therapy, School and College Counseling, and Infertility Counseling. As well LGBTQ+ Counseling. Our caring therapists also offer Family Therapy, Career Counseling, and LPC Supervision. All of these services are also available through Online Counseling throughout Texas.
If you are wondering if EMDR is for you, but you are not sure, we offer a free 15-minute phone consultation with one of our Texas therapists. Call today at 713-565-0922 to schedule!