When Talk Therapy Fails PTSD and Trauma Patients

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In order to understand EMDR, one needs to be clear about how trauma can affect the brain. When an individual experiences a traumatic event or multiple traumas they may develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a response to the overwhelming events. When this occurs, the brain fails to successfully process the trauma leaving it “stuck” in the central nervous system. This often leads to numbness, severe anxiety, depression, insomnia, addictions and physical complaints for the sufferer. In everyday life, the body fails to recognize that the person is now safe and it reacts as though the danger is current, leaving the individual in a state of arousal. EMDR as a treatment is unique because it facilitates the processing of trauma information that has become “stuck” in the central nervous system. EMDR calms the nervous system and lessens anxiety. Brain scans have actually captured information transferring from one side of a brain to another as a person experiences an EMDR session. The same cannot be said for other forms of therapy. Historically, we have used talk-based therapies, CBT or drugs to ameliorate the symptoms associated with PTSD. Talk therapy and the relationship with the therapist may be supportive for the duration of the treatment, but often, the brain will begin to loop back into the trauma and the whole cycle will begin again.

We now know that individuals with PTSD have limbic systems that are more active then non-PTSD therapy patients. Psychotherapy or talk therapy may not decondition the limbic system. These individuals experience extreme frustration as they work diligently in sessions and experience little symptomatic relief. Additionally, the retelling of their trauma experiences often leaves them retraumatized and vulnerable. EMDR as a treatment “calms” the nervous system and does so in a way that traditional psychotherapy cannot. With respect to the neurobiology of trauma we now know that early childhood trauma causes “synaptic pruning” which predisposes a person to developing PTSD.  A traumatic event “freezes” the integrative processes of the brain; the information is then stored in a fragmented form in the right side of the brain. Many individuals with trauma histories have lost the capacity to analyze and categorize arousing information because they can’t always “talk” about it and the left hemisphere is then “locked out” of the process. In short, the person attempting to talk their way to healing cannot utilize language in a way that allows them to gain the necessary distance from the painful stimulus. EMDR uses specific protocols to create distance so that the trauma can be reprocessed and fully integrated into both hemispheres of the brain. The grip of hyper-arousal and body tension is now lessened for the patient and the nervous system is calmed.

After successful EMDR treatment the original trauma targets are less activating for patients. In short, their brains are less geared to traumatic stimuli and better able to attend to more neutral stimuli moving forward. In my opinion, the real beauty of EMDR treatment lies in its ability to provide the nervous system with calming, supportive experiences and images that serve the patient well after treatment has ended. The patient is now empowered with the capacity to self-soothe and call upon nurturing and supportive images. Feelings of terror and helplessness are replaced with positive emotions and the new belief that one has power and efficacy in the here and now. When it comes to un-freezing trauma, the powerful combination of a supportive therapist and the wisdom of mind/body integration may provide superior treatment.

To learn more about how EMDR can treat trauma-related symptoms, as well as performance issues, addiction, substance abuse, depression, nightmares, fears, anxiety, panic disorder, eating disorders, health concerns, insomnia, sexual & emotional abuse issues and relationship problems visit this page. Call Kim Seelbrede at 646.248.9196 or email her to arrange a consultation for EMDR treatment in New York City.

Kim Seelbrede is a psychotherapist, EMDR therapist and integrative yoga therapist with a private practice in New York City, downtown near Union Square/Flatiron and on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

I provide therapy, EMDR, hypnotherapy, mind/body techniques, coaching and stress management for individuals, couples and groups. I help clients overcome obstacles such as conflicts and lifestyle habits that are preventing them from healthy and satisfying relationships, enhanced self-esteem and happiness.  My specialities include: anxiety; phobias; depression; relationship issues; marriage counseling,  career issues; stress management; coping skills; performance enhancement for career and performance; creative blocks; bereavement and loss; post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); addictions and substance abuse recovery support; codependency; smoking cessation; weight issues; pain management; major life transitions.

I am a licensed psychotherapist/therapist in NYC. My professional credentials include a graduate degree from New York University, post-graduate psychodynamic psychotherapy training, advanced EMDR training from EMDRIA,  integrative yoga therapy training from the Urban Zen Foundation. You can follow Kim Seelbrede’s psychology, yoga and health-related tweets on Twitter or friend her on Facebook. Kim Seelbrede offers adjunctive EMDR, meditation and yoga therapy to medical and mental health professionals in New York City. 

Kim Seelbrede offers adjunctive EMDR, meditation and yoga therapy to medical and mental health professionals in New York City.