Anxiety is a common problem for seniors, and can often be difficult to manage. Many seniors suffer from stress related to medical issues, retirement, or changes in their living situation. Fortunately, there are therapeutic approaches that can help seniors cope with anxiety. One such approach is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). This therapy has been proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety in both adults and seniors. Let’s take a look at how EMDR works and what it can do for those suffering from anxiety.
What Is EMDR?
EMDR is a type of psychotherapy that helps people process traumatic memories or distressing thoughts by using eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation while they focus on the thought or memory. The goal of this therapy is to desensitize the person to the memory or thought so that it no longer triggers feelings of distress or fear. It also helps the person develop healthier coping mechanisms for dealing with future stressors.
How Does EMDR Work?
When someone undergoing EMDR focuses on a distressing thought or memory while simultaneously engaging in eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation (like finger tapping), they become less emotionally attached to the thought or memory. This allows them to view the thought from a more objective perspective and better manage their emotional reaction to it. Over time, these techniques can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve the quality of life for seniors suffering from stress-related conditions.
How Can EMDR Help Seniors With Anxiety?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) psychotherapy can be an effective way for seniors to reduce their anxiety. Psychotherapy involves talking with a therapist or counselor about stressful life experiences, while pairing this with eye movements, like side-to-side tracking of a therapist’s finger or auditory tones. Putting the experiences in context and giving them a new perspective, it helps seniors process the event and move through it rather than getting stuck in the turmoil about the experience. This mindfulness approach can aid those feeling increased worry to manage stress in both the present and future. EMDR therapy has seen great success amongst individuals of all ages as it works on distress at its roots in order to rid seniors of persistent anxious feelings.
Benefits Of Using EMDR For Anxiety In Seniors
For seniors suffering from anxiety, there are several benefits associated with using EMDR as part of their treatment plan. First, since it does not involve medications, it allows seniors to avoid taking additional drugs which could potentially interact negatively with other medications they may already be taking for other medical conditions. Additionally, it has been shown to have long-term effects in reducing symptoms of distress even after treatment is finished—unlike medication which only provides temporary relief while active doses are taken regularly. Finally, because Therese is an entirely non-invasive form of treatment, there are no risks associated with its use—making it an ideal choice for senior citizens who may prefer not to take medications due to potential side effects or concerns about interactions between drugs.
What Can A Senior With Anxiety Expect From EMDR?
For seniors with anxiety, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) psychotherapy can be an effective treatment option. EMDR is a psychotherapy approach used by a therapist to help an individual manage emotional traumas or reactions to overwhelming events. During the therapy, therapists will use talk psychotherapy, as well as a guided set of eye movements, tones, and taps. To start EMDR therapy, the individual and therapist discuss the details of their anxiety and then decide together which areas should be focused on during sessions. Psychotherapy provides support throughout the treatment process while helping to build skills that may assist in managing any current or future issues. With therapy tailored to one’s specific needs, seniors who suffer from anxiety can expect comfort in their journey toward healing with EMDR psychotherapy.
How Long Will EMDR Take To Work For A Senior Suffering/Dealing With Anxiety?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) psychotherapy has been proven to effectively treat anxiety in seniors. This psychotherapy involves a certified therapist using techniques such as eye movements, tactile stimulation, and sound to assist the patient in reprocessing traumatic memories. The process can take anywhere from 8-20 sessions, depending on the severity of the patient’s issue and how much work is done with the therapist in between sessions. Counselling may be used in addition to EMDR to help increase effectiveness. During these psychotherapeutic appointments, seniors will be encouraged to practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques that can help diminish anxiety in their daily life. With dedication and effort from both the counsellor and the senior patient, EMDR psychotherapy can help bring about lasting positive change for those dealing with anxiety.
How Do I Know If EMDR Is The Right Treatment For A Senior With Anxiety?
As a senior dealing with anxiety, it can be difficult to know if Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) psychotherapy is the right treatment. The most important step is to have an open conversation with an experienced psychotherapist or counselor who can review your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle to determine if EMDR psychotherapy is suitable for you. Your psychotherapist will also be able to provide additional information on the pros, cons, and possible outcomes associated with the therapy. If they deem it appropriate, they will then guide you through your personalized course of treatment. Remember that seeking help is never a sign of weakness – seeking the right help may make all the difference!
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an effective form of psychotherapy that has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety in both adults and seniors alike. By helping individuals process traumatic memories more effectively through eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, this type of therapy can provide long-term relief from distressful thoughts without any risk factors associated with taking medications for chronic conditions like anxiety disorders. For seniors looking for an alternative form of treatment for their anxiety symptoms, EMDR may be just what they need!
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Joe White, Psychotherapist, or another Kitchener psychotherapist at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
