What is EMDR Hypnosis?

EMDR Hypnosis uniquely combines Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a well-established trauma therapy, with hypnotic techniques. This approach aims to facilitate access to traumatic memories, process them adaptively, and promote emotional healing within a deeply relaxed hypnotic state.

How Can EMDR Hypnosis Help You?

EMDR Hypnosis may be beneficial for individuals seeking support with:

• Trauma Processing: It’s designed to process traumatic memories and reduce the associated emotional distress.
• PTSD and Complex Trauma: EMDR Hypnosis may help individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or complex trauma histories.
• Negative Emotions and Beliefs: It can aid in resolving negative emotions and limiting beliefs stemming from past experiences.
• Emotional Regulation: EMDR Hypnosis may improve emotional regulation skills and reduce emotional reactivity.
• Holistic Healing: It offers a mind-body approach to healing, promoting a deeper sense of emotional well-being.

What is EMDR Hypnosis Good For?

EMDR Hypnosis may be particularly helpful for:

• Resolving the Impact of Trauma: It offers a specialized approach for addressing the long-lasting effects of single-incident or complex trauma.
• Reducing PTSD Symptoms: EMDR Hypnosis might help reduce flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and other symptoms related to PTSD.
• Overcoming Phobias and Fears: It may be used to address specific phobias or deeply rooted fears.
• Enhancing Therapy Outcomes: EMDR Hypnosis may amplify the benefits of traditional talk therapy approaches.

Benefits of EMDR Hypnosis

EMDR Hypnosis offers potential benefits for trauma survivors and those seeking emotional healing:

• Accelerated Processing: The combination of EMDR and hypnosis may facilitate the processing of disturbing memories.
• Reduced Distress: It may promote quicker reduction of emotional distress associated with traumatic experiences.
• Deep Emotional Healing: EMDR Hypnosis enables the release of trapped emotions and negative beliefs, fostering greater peace.
• Increased Self-Awareness: It may lead to improved understanding of how past experiences impact present reactions.
• Holistic Integration: EMDR Hypnosis addresses emotional healing on multiple levels, promoting mind-body integration.

What to Expect from EMDR Hypnosis with a Practitioner

EMDR Hypnosis sessions typically involve:

• Preparation: A qualified therapist will assess suitability, explain the process, and develop a treatment plan.
• Hypnotic Induction: The therapist induces a state of deep relaxation and focused awareness using hypnosis.
• EMDR Processing: While in the hypnotic state, EMDR eye movements or other bilateral stimulation techniques are used to process the targeted memories.
• Desensitization and Reprocessing: This stage focuses on reducing emotional distress and shifting negative beliefs associated with the trauma.

Similar Modalities to EMDR Hypnosis

Other therapeutic approaches share similarities with certain aspects of EMDR Hypnosis:

• Traditional EMDR Therapy: The foundation of EMDR Hypnosis, but without the formal hypnotic induction.
• Hypnotherapy: Utilizes hypnosis for various healing purposes, including addressing trauma.
• Brainspotting: Focuses on specific eye positions to access and process trauma but does not always include a hypnotic element.

Final Thoughts

EMDR Hypnosis provides a potent combination of techniques for processing trauma, promoting emotional healing, and enhancing psychological well-being. By integrating accelerated processing with the deep relaxation of hypnosis, it offers a unique pathway for individuals seeking relief from the debilitating effects of past experiences.

Scientific References

Here are some resources exploring the effectiveness and potential mechanisms of EMDR Hypnosis:

• Omar, H. A., & Davidson, P. R. (2000). Hypnosis and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) treatment for combat-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 48(3), 284-299.
• Leeds, A. M. (2009). A meta-analysis of hypnotic interventions for the treatment of PTSD symptoms. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 22, 244-250. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.20426
• Gauvreau, P., & Bouchard, S. (2008). Hypnosis and cognitive-behavioral therapy in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, S(1), 64–73.

Recommended Reading

• EMDR Solutions II: For Depression, Eating Disorders, Performance Issues, and Other Problems by Robin Shapiro (2009). Shapiro, R. (2009). EMDR solutions II: For depression, eating disorders, performance issues, and other problems. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Scripted Protocols: Basics and Special Situations by Marilyn Lunsford (2016) Lunsford, M. (2016). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) scripted protocols: Basics and special situations. Springer Publishing Company.
• The Haunted Self: Structural Dissociation and the Treatment of Chronic Traumatization by Onno van der Hart (2006). Van der Hart, O. (2006). The haunted self: Structural dissociation and the treatment of chronic traumatization. W.W. Norton & Company.