Benefits of EMDR Therapy During Your Pregnancy
EMDR (Eye Movement and Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a highly researched therapy and has been found to be effective in treating trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety and fears at any stage of life, including pregnancy.
EMDR is the primary model of therapy I use in my practice because it's so effective (supported by research), provides relief for my clients (often more quickly than traditional talk therapy), AND for many other reasons:
EMDR therapy can reach trauma wounds in ways that words/talking can't (trauma is stored in the body).
EMDR allows your own brain to do the healing. Your nervous system, your mind and body lead the way. You’re the one in charge of your process.
EMDR addresses the emotional and physical symptoms of trauma.
You don't have to re-experience or describe your trauma in detail. EMDR is a very internal process.
EMDR doesn't just focus on the past; EMDR also helps address issues in the present, as well as preparing you for future scenarios you may face (fertility treatments, doctor’s appointments, ultrasounds or medical procedures, labor and delivery).
Benefits of EMDR during your pregnancy include:
Strengthening your sense of confidence during your pregnancy by building coping skills, addressing fears and worries, and preparing to become a parent.
Healing unresolved attachment wounds and traumas from your own childhood and break the cycle of trauma.
Healing past abuse or sexual trauma
Diminish fears of pregnancy and childbirth
Decrease distress and manage anxiety connected to your experiences during pregnancy.
Ease the pain of your losses and support your grieving process
Peace. Find peace as you as you prepare to meet your baby, peace in your relationships, and peace within yourself.
EMDR therapy is widely documented and researched, and studies continue to support its use during pregnancy:
A study published in 2020 found that “EMDR therapy can improve internal resources for expectant mothers; monitor their levels of psychological distress; and enable them to access and process traumatic memories, other adverse life experiences, recent stressors, and pre-perinatal concerns... " and that EMDR therapy can also help pregnant mothers prepare for future events, incorporate developmental/prenatal education and "deepen their bonds with their babies.”
Another study published by the Journal of EMDR Practice and Research found that EMDR therapy reduced the severity of anxiety in pregnant women with previous traumatic experiences and that “EMDR therapy can be used during pregnancy to treat or relieve anxiety" and the fear of childbirth.
EMDR has been extensively researched for the past 20+ years. If you'd like to know more about EMDR and the research supporting its effectiveness, check out the resources below.
emdria.org
emdr.com
