Experiencing psychological issues like having negative thoughts, responses, or feelings is expected after a traumatic event. However, the experiences should fade after a few days, and you should seek help if they persist. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is one of the most effective alternatives to get you out of your situation. The Financial District EMDR specialists can combine eye movements and exposure therapy to help you process your traumatic moment and improve how your brain reacts to your memories. You will need to make some preparations to ensure the therapy is more effective. Follow herein.
Book a Consultation Appointment
You better first schedule a consultation appointment with your favorable EMDR-qualified therapist. Discuss your symptoms and first agree that you are a good candidate for the therapy. Talk about what you can expect during the procedure and what is needed. Make prior arrangements as directed by your doctor and keep in contact for clarification where you do not understand. Ask relevant questions about the procedure to be mentally ready for the process.
Skip Contact Lenses
EMDR therapy involves rapid eye movements, and it is normal to experience dry eyes during every session. Talk to your doctor if you wear contact lenses during your appointment to understand how to go about it. Your doctor will advise you to avoid the lenses on the day of your treatment. Leave the contacts at home or carry them to your appointment alongside a lens case to secure the contacts once you remove them before the process begins.
Pack Eye Drops
You can consider carrying eye drops to your EMDR session. Remember that it is expected to experience irritated or dry eyes during the procedure due to the eye movements involved. During your consultation appointment, your doctor will evaluate your eye health history and ask if you are prone to dry eyes. Pack eye drops if the chances of your eyes drying out or getting irritated during the EMDR session are high. You can get over-the-counter eye drops from the local pharmacy or drug stores.
Get Ready to Relook on Your Traumatic Event
EMDR aims to help you view your traumatic event in another dimension to better process the memories. You will have to look back on what happened, and it will be better to prepare yourself to face the painful memories. Generate the willpower to confront those memories that can cause pain and stress and are generally unpleasant. You can anticipate some degree of pain, discomfort, or distress mainly when beginning the treatment. The good thing about EMDR is that you will be facing those memories in a safer environment.
Take The Rest of the Day Off
Plan to relax after EMDR therapy since you will evoke unpleasant and painful memories. Your doctor can recommend you take a nap at the end of your session, and it would be better when you have all the time to take it easy. Plan to take off the day of your session to maximize your preparations and recovery. You can try scheduling the appointment at a time convenient for you not to get back to work on your daily activities. It would help if you had time to relax the emotions that arise during the therapy.
Adequately getting ready for your EMDR session improves the efficiency and success of the treatment. Call the specialists at David Salvage MD FAPM today to learn better about getting ready for the EMDR appointment. You can also book your appointment online.
