Overcoming Avoidance with EMDR Therapy: A Path to Healing
Avoidance is a common coping mechanism for individuals seeking to avoid confronting trauma from their past. By steering clear of people, places, or situations that trigger painful memories, they attempt to keep their negative emotions from consuming them.
However, avoidance can significantly hinder the healing process and prevent individuals from fully living their lives. This is where EMDR therapy can be a game-changer.
How does EMDR address avoidance?
- Identifying Avoidance Behaviors: A skilled EMDR therapist will work collaboratively with the client to uncover patterns of avoidance and understand their impact on daily life.
- Gradual Exposure: Focusing on processing the underlying trauma rather than simply confronting feared stimuli, a skilled EMDR therapist will help the client gradually approach triggering experiences with less anxiety and distress.
- Reducing Emotional Intensity: As EMDR helps individuals process traumatic memories, the emotional intensity associated with these memories decreases. This reduction in emotional charge makes it easier to engage in previously avoided activities.
- Building Resilience: EMDR empowers individuals to develop healthier coping mechanisms and resilience. By addressing the root causes of trauma, individuals can develop the tools to manage triggers and reduce avoidance behaviors.
If you're struggling with avoidance and seeking trauma therapy in Houston, Bloom Professional Counseling offers specialized EMDR services. Our experienced therapists can provide a safe and supportive environment to help you overcome the challenges of avoidance and embark on your healing journey.
It's important to remember that overcoming avoidance takes time and patience. With the right support and therapeutic guidance, individuals can gradually reduce avoidance behaviors and reclaim their lives.








