Many studies have shown Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) to be very effective for treating Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), but there are some additional considerations and elements of the treatment that are modified or added from treatment of single-event PTSD.
One modification that needs to be made to the EMDR sessions for treating complex PTSD is noting ‘any kind of dysregulation or disassociation. This can be accounted for early on, during the history-taking portion of the treatment.
When someone disassociates, they are separating themselves from their feelings or thoughts. This is more than walling-off emotions so that they can’t hurt you. It’s quite literally mentally disconnecting yourself from those feelings.
It’s not an uncommon occurrence for those with C-PTSD. The therapist might have to work with the client on their disassociation first before fully engaging in EMDR.’
Another modification to EMDR to consider when treating C-PTSD is the time frame for treatment. Because C- PTSD includes ‘many more thoughts, memories, and experiences, the time frame for treatment gets longer. The exact length of time will vary depending on the person and their individual needs.
The reason is simple, with complex trauma symptoms there are more traumatic events to work through. The word “complex” means that you were exposed to multiple (perhaps ongoing) traumatic experiences.
That much trauma will take time to unpack and sort through. However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to make progress. Through EMDR therapy you can help your brain to eventually “stand-down,” sort-to-speak, and not continuously sound the alert’ – even after multiple, repeated or sustained traumas.
Working through complex trauma may be hard at first, but it’s worth being able to finally resolve it and its symptoms. Of course, it’s important to acknowledge it may not be easy. And that’s why for some people participating in additional counselling before, or alongside EMDR, will improve your chances of success.
Tomorrow CAN be a new day.
Please remember, these are not medical recommendations. Be sure to work with a professional to find the best methods for you. EMDR should always be delivered by properly trained therapists.
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- EMDR Institute
- EMDR Association
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PTSD in children quickly and effectively treatable within hours
- EMDR Therapy for Anxiety, Panic, PTSD and Trauma
- EMDR Therapy: Breaking Down the Barriers
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- American Psychological Association
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