Healing Through Grief: How EMDR Therapy Can Help You Move Forward

Grief is tough, and there's no getting around it. Whether you're dealing with the loss of a loved one, a job, or even a part of yourself, it can feel overwhelming and challenging to know how to cope.

It's important to know that everyone grieves differently, and that's okay. Some people might feel sadness, anger, or confusion, while others might experience physical symptoms like exhaustion or loss of appetite. Whatever you're feeling, it's important to allow yourself the time and space to grieve in your own way.

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It's okay to grieve, and it's okay to ask for help. If you're struggling with grief and it's affecting your daily life, seeking support from a mental health professional can be an important step in your healing journey.

One type of therapy that can be helpful in managing grief is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Originally designed to treat trauma, EMDR has also been found to be effective in treating a range of mental health concerns, including grief. ​

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In EMDR therapy, a therapist will guide you through a series of eye movements or other types of bilateral stimulation while you focus on a specific memory or feeling related to your grief. The goal is to reprocess the memory and reduce its impact on your emotional state.

While EMDR therapy can be effective, it's important to remember that it's not a cure-all. Grief takes time to heal, and it's a necessary part of the process. However, EMDR therapy can be a valuable support in helping you navigate the grieving process.

Along with EMDR therapy, other forms of therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be helpful in managing grief. A licensed therapist can help you create a personalized treatment plan that's tailored to your individual needs.

​Aside from therapy, there are other steps you can take to manage your grief. It's important to take care of yourself during this time by eating well, getting enough rest, and doing activities that bring you joy. Seeking support from friends, family, or a support group can also be helpful.

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In summary, grief is a normal and necessary process that can be challenging to navigate. EMDR therapy is one way to help you process your emotions and move forward in the grieving process, but it's important to remember that healing takes time. If you're struggling with grief, it's important to seek support from a mental health professional and remember that healing and recovery are possible.

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The author, Camilla Olsen, CMHC, is licensed to see clients in the State of Utah. If you are interested in starting therapy with her, please fill out the Request an Appointment form on her website.
You may also be interested to know, that she has published several books and workbooks. Click here to read more about them!