Finding Peace After Loss: How EMDR Can Help You Process Grief and Trauma
Grief can feel like an unpredictable wave—sometimes calm, other times overwhelming. For those who have experienced traumatic loss, like the death of a parent, these waves can feel even more intense and disorienting. At Journey Forward ~ Somatic Therapy Tampa, we support clients who are navigating the complex interplay between grief and trauma using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
How Grief and Trauma Intertwine
Losing a loved one is always difficult, but when past trauma or unresolved issues are involved, the grieving process can feel even more complicated. One client, who lost their mother to suicide, shared how significant dates—like Mother’s Day and birthdays—stir up powerful emotions, including sadness, numbness, and guilt. Despite feeling less distressed this year compared to previous ones, the client still grapples with dreams that trigger feelings of inadequacy and memories that revive a sense of abandonment from childhood.
What is EMDR and How Does It Help?
EMDR is a structured therapy that helps people process and heal from trauma by using bilateral stimulation (like guided eye movements) while recalling distressing events. Instead of avoiding painful memories, clients safely revisit them in a controlled way, allowing the brain to process emotions that may have been “stuck” since the trauma occurred.
How EMDR Helped This Client
During a recent session, we explored a childhood memory related to abandonment. The client remembered feeling alone and vulnerable during a domestic dispute between their parents. This unresolved experience tied into the client’s current struggle with identity and self-worth. Through EMDR, we worked to shift the belief from “I am not good enough” to “I am deserving of care and love.”
Why EMDR Works for Grief and Trauma
Grief can become complicated when layered with past traumas and unresolved emotional wounds. EMDR helps by:
- Identifying Negative Beliefs: Uncovering the thoughts that hold you back (like “I’m not good enough”).
- Reprocessing Painful Memories: Allowing the brain to move past the “stuck” feeling associated with trauma.
- Reframing Your Story: Transforming the narrative from self-blame to self-acceptance.
- Grounding in the Present: Using affirmations and visualization to create a sense of safety.
Moving Forward After Loss
Healing from grief and trauma doesn’t mean forgetting or minimizing the pain. It means integrating the loss into your life story without letting it define you. At Journey Forward, we guide clients through this process, helping them reconnect with their strengths and move toward a future where they can honor their memories without being overwhelmed by them.
If you’re dealing with complicated grief or unresolved trauma, EMDR can offer a path to healing. Contact us to learn more about how this evidence-based approach can support your journey.