Prince Harry recently opened up about his journey with post-traumatic stress disorder following the loss of his mother, Princess Diana. In a candid discussion, he revealed his exploration of a groundbreaking therapy that helped him.
The therapy is called eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to address the debilitating effects of his anxiety attacks. This revelation offers a glimpse into the royal’s personal struggles and his proactive approach towards mental health care, shedding light on the significance of seeking innovative treatments of traumas.
In a video, Prince Harry can be seen undergoing EMDR therapy, where he taps his shoulders and moves his eyes rapidly. This therapy is relatively new and is used to treat PTSD. Prince Harry shared that he decided to try EMDR to deal with severe anxiety attacks he was experiencing.
Prince Harry mentioned that he was open to trying EMDR because of the therapy and work he had done over the years.
During a therapy session with UK-based psychotherapist Sanja Oakley, Prince Harry demonstrated how EMDR helped him feel better about returning home. He described feeling scared and helpless before, but the therapy helped him cope with those feelings.
Prince Harry’s openness about his experience with EMDR therapy sheds light on alternative treatments for post-traumatic disorder and mental health struggles. It shows that seeking help and trying different therapies can make a difference in managing mental health conditions.
EMDR is a therapy made in 1987 to help with emotional traumas. It’s a structured therapy where you think about a tough memory while moving your eyes back and forth. This helps lessen the strong feelings tied to the memory.
EMDR works on a theory called Adaptive Information Processing (AIP). It says that trauma sticks around because it hasn’t been dealt with properly. So, when something reminds you of the trauma, those memories can come back strongly.
Unlike other therapies that try to lessen your reaction to trauma, EMDR tries to change how your brain stores those tough memories. Sometimes, instead of eye movements, you might listen to alternating tones. Usually, EMDR happens once or twice a week for about six to 12 sessions. But it can vary depending on the person.
Benefits of EMDR therapy
- EMDR is a structured therapy and usually needs fewer sessions than ongoing therapies.
- You don’t have to keep going back to the tough memory for a long time.
- You don’t have to talk a lot about what happened to you.
- There’s no homework to do.
- EMDR doesn’t try to change your thoughts and beliefs.
Disadvantages of EMDR therapy
- While EMDR is known to help with PTSD, it hasn’t been studied as much for other mood or mental health problems.
- If you’re avoiding talking about a tough event, EMDR might not be the best choice. Other types of talk therapy might work better.
- EMDR can sometimes make you feel worse at the start of treatment. The person who created EMDR warns that this could be dangerous for people who have gone through really tough things.
The process of EMDR
EMDR is a structured process with eight phases, each aimed at helping you deal with traumatic memories:
- History taking: Discuss your past with the therapist to identify which memories to focus on.
- Preparation: Learn about EMDR and how the therapist will use bilateral stimulation.
- Assessment: Identify your negative and positive beliefs related to the trauma.
- Desensitization: Use bilateral stimulation while recalling the memory.
- Installation: Focus on positive beliefs while processing the memory.
- Body scan: Talk about how you feel emotionally and physically.
- Closure: Prepare for what may happen between sessions.
- Reevaluation: Assess your progress and decide if more sessions are needed.
As you go through EMDR, you may start feeling less overwhelmed by the trauma. It’s normal for other painful memories to surface, indicating that suppressed memories are being processed.
When grappling with deep emotional traumas, it’s crucial to seek out specialists who can provide the appropriate form of treatment tailored to your needs. Whether it’s EMDR therapy or other therapeutic approaches, finding the right professional can make a significant difference in your healing journey.
Preview photo credit Good Morning America / YouTube
Man and Woman on a Blind Date Surprised to Find Their Kids are Mirror Images of Each Other
Emily rushed into the Italian restaurant, her rainbow-colored clown wig bouncing with each step. She spotted Damon in a corner, wearing a paper hat, and their eyes locked as she approached. “Emily!” Damon greeted her, rising from his chair.
Their banter was lively, with jokes about Emily’s wig and a shared sense of ease. As they delved into conversation, Emily couldn’t help but notice Damon’s son in a photo on his phone. The resemblance to her own son, Bradley, was uncanny, sparking confusion and intrigue.
The discovery led them on a quest for answers, with Damon deciding to confront his ex-wife while Emily stumbled upon a letter hinting at a life-altering secret hidden by her late husband, Jack.
Emily’s mind raced as she recalled the day Jack had brought home Bradley, swaddled in a dinosaur blanket, a moment tinged with both joy and uncertainty. Now, facing the possibility of a hidden truth about Bradley’s origins, Emily delved into Jack’s past, hoping for clarity.
Meanwhile, Damon revisited the facility where his ex-wife resided, seeking answers about the night of their son’s birth, shrouded in mystery and confusion due to Naomi’s battle with mental illness.
As Emily uncovered Jack’s letter, revealing a web of lies and a newborn rescued from an alley, Damon grappled with Naomi’s fragmented memories and the possibility of a long-lost twin.
Their paths converged as they shared their discoveries, grappling with the implications of a shared past that could redefine their futures. Amidst the turmoil, Bradley’s presence loomed large, his confusion and pain mirroring their own.
In a moment of vulnerability and acceptance, they vowed to face the truth together, united by a newfound sense of family and a determination to navigate the unknown with courage and compassion.
As they prepared for the journey ahead, uncertainty lingered, but so did hope, a beacon guiding them through the darkness towards a future forged by honesty, resilience, and the bonds of love.
Leave a Reply