CBT or EMDR? Which treatment is for me?

After trauma, it can seem like the lower brain(Right side of the brain) – the parts responsible for our emotional reactions and our defense system – has been severed from the upper thinking brain.

This can leave clients feeling the heat of their emotions, but without insight or cognitive reflection.

Right to Left brain(EMDR) approaches zero in on a client’s raw emotions and defense systems by working with clients to modulate their bodies. Clients don't necessary need accurate memory(narrative) to work with trauma. Meanwhile, Left to Right brain(CBT) approaches look to shift the way a client thinks – whether it’s veering them away from unhelpful rumination or encouraging curiosity for their reactions.

While either path can help a client begin to self-regulate, therapists need the right approach for each specific client.

A blend of both can help clients begin to cope with their bodily experiences of trauma while they begin to think and feel differently about their experiences, their emotions, and ultimately themselves.