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Understanding the Benefits of Therapy in St. George, UT
Have you noticed that these are tough times? It seems like nearly everyone you talk to is struggling with problems. Whether they are stressed at work, worried about their finances, overwhelmed with parenting or confused about their relationships – it seems there is trouble enough for everyone!
But some people feel especially vulnerable? Have you felt this way? It can feel like one season of bad luck after another. Or anxiety and depression even though you can’t find anything to be especially bothered by – the feelings still show up! You may find that even your best self-care doesn’t seem to make a difference. And you’ve begun (or begun to daydream about) using substances to cope (like that extra large glass of red wine at dinner).[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https://guidedwellnesscounselingut.com/emdrtherapy/” button_text=”LEARN MORE ABOUT THERAPY IN ST. GEORGE, UT” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”LEARN MORE ABOUT THERAPY IN ST. GEORGE, UT” module_class=”postButton” _builder_version=”4.23.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#35736F” button_font=”|||on|||||” custom_margin=”20px||20px||true|false” custom_margin_tablet=”20px||20px||true|false” custom_margin_phone=”20px||20px||true|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” button_text_size_tablet=”14px” button_text_size_phone=”8px” button_text_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_button][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]Emotionally, you feel like you’re barely hanging on. It’s as if you are a moment away from exploding or falling apart in front of loved ones or coworkers. Other times, you feel shut down, burned out and can’t summon the energy for chores or time with your friends.
How Counseling in St. George, UT Can Help You Overcome PTSD
Why is this happening? What can’t you get clear and calm, and stay that way? The difference could be an underlying trauma from the past. Let’s explore this just a moment, as trauma isn’t often what we think. Sure, trauma can be those big life events we often see in movies or on the news:
- Serious accidents
- Natural disasters
- Tragic and unexpected loss of life
- Rape and sexual violence
- Fighting in a war or experiencing crime
But other “smaller” or nearly invisible forms of trauma also exist. In fact, it’s not so much the size or severity of the event as it is it’s impact on you, personally. If the event damaged or threatened your sense of safety, worth or integrity. At Guided Wellness Counseling, we like this definition of trauma by Clark, et. al.:
With this in mind, here are some examples of “smaller” events that can still have a traumatic (i.e. overwhelming, threatening, ‘out of control’) impact on you:
- Bully and teasing
- Acts of microagression / being “othered”
- Infidelity
- Unhealthy relationship dynamics
- Perfectionism
- People pleasing
- Medical care
- Emotional Neglect
- Job loss
- Relationship breakups
- Social rejection
- Loss of a pet
- and much more…
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Women In St. George, UT are Experiencing Trauma & PTSD
The impact of trauma is as unique as your fingerprint. For example, one person might be in a car accident and begin driving again the next day with no lingering fear. Yet, another person might start to develop an avoidance of driving, physical symptoms of fear when they drive near the site of the accident or nightmares.
Keeping in mind that no two people will have the same experience of trauma and it’s impact, here are some examples of how past trauma can affect your day-to-day life:
- Feeling overwhelmed or fatigued.
- Episodes of disproportionate rage, anger, or resentment.
- Anxious or intrusive thoughts or panic attacks.
- Unrelenting grief about the loss of someone or something you loved.
- Losing interest in your usual activities, the world around you, or life in general.
- Depression, sadness, or hopelessness.
- Social withdrawal.
- You can’t step outside the house without extreme anxiety.
Women In St. George, UT Are Getting Therapy And Feeling Better
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH.org) estimates that about 6 of every 10 men (60%) and 5 of every 10 women (50%) will experience at least one trauma in their lives, With regards to this statistic, the NIMH defines trauma as an incident involving actual threatened death, serious injury or sexual violence that was experienced or witnessed directly, or that involved a close family member or friend.
Let’s revisit the last few words of this definition – you don’t have to experience the traumatic event yourself! It’s enough that involves someone close to you such as a family member or friend.
The National Institute of Mental Health calls it “crucial” to get appropriate treatment rather than avoiding it (nimh.org, 2024), and one of the most effective treatments for all kinds of trauma is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https://guidedwellnesscounselingut.com/contact/” button_text=”START THERAPY THIS WEEK” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”START THERAPY THIS WEEK” module_class=”postButton” _builder_version=”4.23.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#35736F” button_font=”|||on|||||” custom_margin=”20px||20px||true|false” custom_margin_tablet=”20px||20px||true|false” custom_margin_phone=”20px||20px||true|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” button_text_size_tablet=”14px” button_text_size_phone=”8px” button_text_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_button][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]
What IS EMDR Therapy For Trauma and PTSD?
EMDR has been shown to resolve symptoms stemming from trauma very quickly relative to other forms of therapy. The goal of EMDR is to completely process the traumatic experiences that are causing problems. “Processing” does not mean just talking about a traumatic experience. “Processing” means setting up a learning state that will allow experiences causing problems to be “digested” and stored appropriately in your brain. That means that what is useful to you from an experience will be learned and stored with appropriate emotions in your brain and can guide you positively in the future.
How Is EMDR Therapy Done At The St. George, UT Office?
At your first appointment, you and your therapist will determine if EMDR would be a good fit, discuss what you want to work on, and start improving your ability to manage distress. When you are ready for the next phase of therapy, the therapist will ask you to focus on a particular event from your past, along with a negative image, belief, emotion, and body feeling related to this event.
Now, what makes EMDR therapy stand out from ‘talk therapy’ is that at the same time as you are focusing on the mental image of your trauma along with the thoughts, feelings and body sensations you have, the therapist will start administering side-to-side eye movements. Alternatively, your therapist might use side-to-side / left-to-right sounds or taps. This is the bilateral brain stimulus (BLS) that makes it possible to process the trauma rather than just relive it.
With these bilateral (e.g. side-to-side) movements you may experience shifts in insight or changes in images, feelings, or beliefs regarding the event. You will have complete control to stop the therapist at any point if needed. You and your therapist will check-in about how the image, thoughts of feelings are changing between sets of movements. The sets of eye movements, sounds, or taps and checking-in are repeated until the event becomes less disturbing.
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What Is The Goal Of EMDR Therapy For Trauma & PTSD?
In short, the goal of EMDR therapy for trauma and PTSD is simple. We want for the inappropriate emotions, beliefs, and body sensations to be discarded or transformed. Negative emotions, feelings, and behaviors are generally caused by unresolved earlier experiences pushing you in the wrong direction. The goal of EMDR therapy is to leave you with the emotions, understanding, and perspectives that will lead to healthy and useful behaviors and interactions.
For example, a person who experienced infidelity in their marriage may have the traumatic belief, “I can’t trust.” With EMDR, this belief may be transformed into, “I can choose who I trust now.” or “I have choices now.” EMDR does not make the event go away, nor does it sugar coat it. It does reveal that you are inherently worthy and valuable (e.g. I am loveable, I am good enough, I did the best I could), safe now (e.g. I can trust myself, I can handle it, I can make my needs known) and can access choices (e.g. I am now in control, I can handle it, I am capable).
You Can Start Therapy In St. George, UT | 84790 | 84780 | 84770
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel daunting, but it is a powerful move toward healing and personal growth. Whether you’re dealing with PTSD or simply looking to improve your overall well-being, the right support can make all the difference. In St. George, UT, our team of dedicated therapists is here to help you navigate this journey with compassion and expertise.
If you’re on the fence about starting therapy, we encourage you to take advantage of our complimentary phone consultation. This is an opportunity to get clear on your goals for therapy, ask any questions you may have, and be matched with a therapist who is perfectly suited to your needs. Therapy is a place to relieve yourself of the secrets or shame you carry. You can cry without hesitation. You can curse like a sailor. You can move forward and learn how to cope and carry your grief. We are here to support you, whatever your needs or goals.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https://guidedwellnesscounselingut.com/contact/” button_text=”CONTACT US NOW” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”CONTACT US NOW” module_class=”postButton” _builder_version=”4.23.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#35736F” button_font=”|||on|||||” custom_margin=”20px||20px||true|false” custom_margin_tablet=”20px||20px||true|false” custom_margin_phone=”20px||20px||true|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” button_text_size_tablet=”14px” button_text_size_phone=”8px” button_text_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_button][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Reach out today and take that important first step toward a healthier, happier you. You can get started with a phone call today.
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