Integrative Therapy vs. EMDR
There are multiple types of therapy that can help treat trauma, however Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Integrative Therapy are commonly used therapeutic approaches. The type of trauma therapy that will work best for you depends on various factors, including your symptoms, needs, goals as well as your individual preferences. Below, we’ll explore the differences between EMDR and Integrative Therapy.
EMDR is a therapy that uses bilateral stimulation to help people recover from trauma. Bilateral stimulation involves moving the eyes rhythmically from left to right. These movements, along with focusing on the traumatic memory, is thought to reduce the memory's emotional impact.
Although EMDR has the potential to provide rapid relief, it is sometimes seen as a controversial form of therapy due to its potential for adverse effects, including heightened awareness or retraumatization beyond the therapy session. Moreover, the exact reasons why this therapy works are not entirely clear. Research suggests that exposure to trauma memories leads to change, not the eye movements themselves.
In contrast, Integrative Therapy is a holistic approach to therapy, usually involving several therapeutic techniques to bring about a personalized and practical approach to healing. Integrative Therapy draws upon a wide range of approaches including cognitive, behavioral, psychodynamic, and skills-based therapies. An integrative therapist utilizes their training and expertise to select the most beneficial techniques into a cohesive therapeutic experience based on the client’s unique strengths, needs, and goals. Not only is Integrative Therapy individualized, flexible, and holistic; it has some of the following potential benefits:
Clients may respond more quickly to treatment that utilizes several different techniques at once.
Therapists are able to focus treatment on the issues that are most relevant to the client's experience by utilizing interventions from different modalities rather than just one.
Clients often feel more satisfied with their treatment if they are able to choose the specific techniques that will be best for them rather than engaging in treatment that is imposed by a therapist.
In conclusion, choosing the right trauma therapy for yourself is crucial in meeting your therapeutic goals, which gets you to feel better faster. Getting clear on the right therapy for you can also help you save time and money. To learn more about the benefits of Integrative Therapy, contact Colorway Wellness today!