"The mind can often heal itself naturally in the same way the body can if you get a cut or a bruise. But sometimes the mind needs a little help just like the body… You can gain a new outlook on your life and live it without the symptoms associated with the trauma." — Bonnie Haack
Military veterans suffering from traumatic experiences may find solace and healing through Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
Bonnie Haack, therapist and owner at Truth & Grace Counseling in Tea, aims to utilize this innovative approach to support more veterans in their journey towards recovery.
“The mind can often heal itself naturally in the same way the body can if you get a cut or a bruise. But sometimes the mind needs a little help just like the body,” said Haack.
EMDR therapy, developed in 1987 by Francine Shapiro, harnesses the mind’s natural healing abilities, similar to how the body can heal from physical injuries. Shapiro discovered that distress associated with traumatic memories decreased significantly after only a few sessions of EMDR therapy.
The therapy relies on bilateral stimulation, which can be achieved through various methods such as eye movements, tapping, or using handheld buzzing devices. These techniques facilitate the processing of traumatic memories stored in the Limbic System of the brain, leading to desensitization and the alleviation of associated emotions.
Haack said she uses the technique of the handheld buzzing devices, calling them “buzzees”.
EMDR therapy falls under the Information Processing Model and involves eight distinct phases. During the therapy, patients briefly focus on the traumatic memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation, leading to a reduction in the vividness and emotional impact of those memories.
“It is believed that traumatic memories are stored in the Limbic System of the brain, which controls emotion. These memories get “stuck” there and need the BLS to process the memory and desensitize the person to the trauma,” said Haack.
EMDR therapy has shown efficacy in addressing a wide range of issues and conditions, including attachment disorders, addictions, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, abuse, neglect, trauma (such as Post-traumatic Stress Disorder), self-esteem issues, sleep problems, phobias, stress, and complicated grief.
One key differentiating factor of EMDR therapy is its ability to produce results in fewer sessions compared to traditional talk therapy approaches.
“The person needs to only use very few words in the process and the brain does all the work,” said Haack. “Many times, at least some relief can be found after only one session.”
While other therapies, like Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), may require extensive time and multiple steps to achieve progress, EMDR therapy often provides relief after just a single session.
“It is a very different process than usual talk therapy in that the person thinks about parts of the traumatic memory while holding the buzzing devices that buzz side to side,” said Haack. “Because you need fewer sessions, it is therefore a less expensive therapy than the others…You can gain a new outlook on your life and live it without the symptoms associated with the trauma,” added Haack.
Almost anyone can be a suitable candidate for EMDR therapy.
“If someone is not ready for the desensitizing process, EMDR is great at helping to build the resources the person needs to begin. With slower side-to-side buzzing, the brain builds neural connections around calm, safe, and positive resources that aid in the process once the desensitizing process begins,” said Haack.
EMDR therapy offers potential benefits to adults, teenagers, and children by reducing distress related to trauma memories, eliminating associated physical sensations, and mitigating panic symptoms.
“I have had quite a few success stories and afterwards, many people say that it was ‘miraculous’, or that they never thought they would be free of the negative feelings and behaviors they had associated with the trauma,” said Haack. “One person in particular was struggling from childhood experiences of having parents that did not care about her or take care of her. She had trauma memories of her parents emotionally abusing and neglecting her as a child, and also somewhat as an adult. She is now free of those trauma memories and it took maybe two months of weekly therapy to achieve this. She is free of the physiological sensations connected to the trauma. It has changed her outlook on life both as a parent and a wife.”
EMDR therapy can be used in conjunction with other therapeutic approaches or medications. It complements methods like play therapy, art therapy, sand tray therapy, and narrative therapy, providing a comprehensive and holistic treatment approach.
To ensure a safe and supportive environment, EMDR therapists employ a structured approach. Before engaging in processing traumatic memories, therapists gather a comprehensive history to address any potential issues related to recalling the trauma. Additionally, a “calm safe place” is established to serve as a refuge if the patient becomes overwhelmed during the session. Therapists also allocate time at the end of each session to “containerize” any remaining negative feelings, preventing them from overwhelming the individual later in the day.
“The processing does naturally continue to occur after the session is over and many have felt very tired after a session,” said Haack. “I check with them first so that they do not have something heavy to do after our session and can spend time resting afterwards.”
The philosophy behind EMDR therapy centers around the Information Processing Model, which aims to unstick traumatic memories, process them, and store them in a different part of the brain. Although individuals will always remember the trauma, the therapy removes the emotional sting, allowing for a more functional and fulfilling life.
To become EMDR certified like Haack a therapist must complete two weekend courses, and have 20 hours of case supervision. Once certified, you must have 12 hours of specific continuing education every two years in order to maintain certification. Haack has been certified to provide this therapy since April 2016.
“I am one of the few providers in South Dakota who have extensive training and experience in providing this therapy to young children,” added Haack.
EMDR therapy has gained recognition and acceptance as a form of treatment from major health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Psychiatric Association, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Health and Human Services.
To make an appoint or schedule a consultation call Haack at 605-777-1898.
To become EMDR certified like Haack a therapist must complete two weekend courses, and have 20 hours of case supervision. Once certified, you must have 12 hours of specific continuing education every two years in order to maintain certification. Haack has been certified to provide this therapy since April 2016.
“I am one of the few providers in South Dakota who have extensive training and experience in providing this therapy to you children,” said Haack.
EMDR therapy has gained recognition and acceptance as a form of treatment from major health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Psychiatric Association, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Health and Human Services.
To make an appoint or schedule a consultation call Haack at 605-777-1898.