Many clients that come in for couples counseling are looking for healthy communication skills and tools to help them effectively resolve conflicts with their partners. However, for those who have experienced traumatic events managing physiological arousal can be a challenge. That's where EMDR can be useful. EMDR therapy helps individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences, so that they can feel more in control of their emotions and less overwhelmed by them.
How Trauma Affects Relationships
Trauma can have a profound impact on our relationships with others. One common effect of trauma is that it can teach us to hurt the people we love the most. This can happen when we push others away as a form of self-protection. This behavior can lead to isolation and further exacerbate our feelings of loneliness and detachment. Trauma can also cause us to have reactionary responses that complicate communications in negative ways, making it difficult for us to connect with others on a deeper level.
How EMDR Helps Your Sex Life
Couples who struggle with communicating effectively, generally struggle to be vulnerable with each other. As one can imagine, sex is the most vulnerable form of connection. And as we know, past trauma clouds our judgment of reacting/communicating healthily with our partners. Which is why with EMDR, it allows for individuals to take back control on personal self-expression, and ultimately, leading to deeper and more intimate connections with your partner.
How EMDR Benefits Your Relationship with Your Partner:
Enhanced communication
Improved conflict resolution
Improved emotional regulations during conflict
Increased emotional connection and intimacy
Less Reactive to uncontrollable triggers
EMDR is an option for those who may feel "stuck" in emotional escalation. If you or your partner are interested in learning more about EMDR and how it can help, please reach out so we can discuss the process of EMDR, understand your expectations, and determine if it is the right fit for you.