Most of the mental illnesses we see today result from our unresolved traumas. Many therapies help us heal these traumas, but two of the most common are EMDR and CBT. EMDR is a newer therapy that is very effective in treating trauma, while CBT is a more traditional therapy that has been used for many years. So, EMDR vs CBT, which one is better?
If you think about it, our lives are full of trauma. Big ones and small ones. Some we are aware of, and some we’re not. But they all take their toll on us, both mentally and physically. And if we don’t deal with them, they can lead to mental illness.
Mental issues are often a result of unresolved traumas. Sometimes it needs years to process these traumas. And in our fast-paced lives, we often don’t have the time or patience to do that. That’s where therapies like EMDR and CBT come in. They help us heal those traumas to live our lives without them weighing us down.
What Is CBT?
CBT is a traditional therapy that has been used for many years. It stands for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT helps us to change our negative thinking patterns and behaviors. It teaches us how to recognize these patterns and change them.
CBT is a very effective therapy for many people. But it can take some time to work. It usually takes at least 12 weeks of weekly sessions to see any results. And for some people, it can take even longer.
CBT is often used with other therapies, such as medication, as a highly successful therapy. This is because CBT alone may not be enough to help some people. CBT mostly uses talk therapy but can also involve other activities, such as journaling and role-playing. These sessions can be both online and offline.
The basic idea of CBT is that our thoughts influence our feelings and actions. So, if we can change our thoughts, we can change our emotions and behaviors. CBT has been proven to be an effective treatment for many mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, etc. Some organizations and online resources for CBT are:
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What Is EMDR?
EMDR is a newer therapy that is very effective in treating trauma. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a form of psychotherapy that utilizes bilateral stimulation, such as eye movement to assist us in processing and healing our traumatic memories.
EMDR has been proven effective treatment for PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). It is also effective for other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and more. You can do EMDR in individual or group sessions. EMDR is a very effective therapy for many people. But it can take some time to work. It usually takes at least 12 sessions to see any results. And for some people, it can take even longer.
It differs from traditional talk therapy because it focuses on the emotions and symptoms connected with trauma. This helps us process and heal the trauma so that we can live without it weighing us down.
Unlike CBT, EMDR has a structured path followed during each session. This path includes 8 phases:
Preparation:
The therapist will explain the process and what to expect. You will also be asked to identify a trauma you want to work on.
Assessment:
The therapist will ask questions about your history and current symptoms.
Desensitization:
The therapist will use bilateral stimulation (eye movements, auditory tones, or tapping) to help you process the trauma.
Installation:
The therapist will help you to install positive beliefs about yourself.
Body Scan:
The therapist will ask you to focus on your body and notice any sensations you feel.
Closure:
The therapist will help you develop a plan for dealing with any distress you may feel outside therapy.
Reevaluation:
The therapist will assess your progress and symptoms.
Termination:
The therapist will end the session and give you homework to do between sessions.
EMDR is a highly successful therapy, but it is not for everyone. Some people may find eye movements to be too distracting or uncomfortable. And for some people, EMDR may not be enough to help them heal their trauma.
EMDR vs CBT, What Are The Differences?
When comparing CBT with EMDR, there are some key differences to take into account:
=> CBT is a well-known therapy that has been utilized for many years. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the name of this type of treatment. CBT teaches us to identify and alter our harmful thought patterns and actions. It accomplishes this by teaching us how to spot and modify these types of thinking.
=> EMDR is a newer therapy that is very effective in treating trauma. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a type of psychotherapy that employs bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, to assist us in processing and healing our hurts.
=> CBT usually utilizes talk therapy but may also include other procedures such as journaling and role-playing. EMDR focuses on the emotions and symptoms associated with traumatic events. This aids us in processing and healing the trauma so that we may live without it weighing us down.
=> CBT has been proven effective for many mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and more. EMDR is also effective for other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, etc.
=> You can do CBT in individual or group sessions. EMDR is a very effective therapy for many people. But it can take some time to work. It usually takes at least 12 sessions to see any results. And for some people, it can take even longer.
=> CBT has no set structure. The therapist will tailor the therapy to fit the needs of the individual. EMDR has a structured path that is followed during each session. This path includes 8 phases: Preparation, Assessment, Desensitization, Installation, Body Scan, Closure, Reevaluation, and Termination.
=> CBT is usually done for a set number of sessions. The number of sessions will vary depending on the individual’s needs. EMDR is a highly successful therapy, but it is not for everyone. Some people may find eye movements to be too distracting or uncomfortable. And for some people, EMDR may not be enough to help them heal their trauma.
Which One Should I Choose?
It depends on what you are looking for in therapy. CBT will be a good choice if you want to focus on changing your thinking patterns and behaviors. If you’re searching for a therapy that focuses on helping you overcome your trauma, EMDR is a viable alternative. Ultimately, choosing which therapy to choose is up to you and your therapist.
It is important to choose a therapy that is right for you. If you are unsure which therapy to choose, you can always talk to your doctor or therapist about which one might be best for you. Remember that CBT and EMDR are effective therapies for many mental health conditions. And both can help you to live a happier and healthier life.
Wrapping Up
To summarize, you should consider the pros and cons of a qualified therapist before deciding. EMDR is a newer therapy with a lot of promise, but it might not be right for everyone. CBT is an effective therapy that has been used for many years. It can help you to change your thinking patterns and behaviors. But ultimately, deciding which therapy to choose is up to you and your therapist.
You can also read:
How Is Behavior Therapy Different Than Psychoanalysis?
