This is an excerpt from my upcoming book, We Get Better: 48 Treatment Options for Chronic Depression.

***

Treatment option 11: Undergoing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or another form of trauma therapy

EMDR is a surprising therapy. The most surprising part: it works. Studies show that this unique technique, which involves making side-to-side eye movements while a therapist helps you process your trauma stories, reduces some trauma symptoms with relative rapidity. If you suffer from PTSD, or you think that your personal history might be contributing to your depression, you might want to consider this treatment option.

To locate an EMDR-trained therapist, a good place to start is PsychologyToday.com. This website is the most-used referral site for counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists and other mental health professionals and the search function seems to work fairly well.

Once you have identified providers, ask them about their EMDR training, experience and credentials; the practitioner’s skill level is a significant factor in its effectiveness. Your counselor should have experience with other forms of trauma therapy as well, as EMDR is contraindicated for some people.

When undergoing any form of trauma therapy, carefully consider your level of tolerance. Plan for possible lingering emotional effects and choose the environment and timing that is right for you. Practice your preferred emotional coping skills before and after therapy and provide feedback to your counselor about what you feel able to handle on any given day.

If desired, add “try EMDR” to your depression treatment plan. Then decide on next steps, such as finding a medication provider, and write them on your short-term and/or long-term to-do list.

***

Babies come. But babies don't go. Get Fights You’ll Have After Having a Baby: A Self-Help Story on Amazon now.

***