There’s One Method of Healing Trauma That Prince Harry Uses, and Here’s How to Practice It

Prince Harry recently opened up about his journey with post-traumatic stress disorder following the loss of his mother, Princess Diana. In a candid discussion, he revealed his exploration of a groundbreaking therapy that helped him.

The therapy is called eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to address the debilitating effects of his anxiety attacks. This revelation offers a glimpse into the royal’s personal struggles and his proactive approach towards mental health care, shedding light on the significance of seeking innovative treatments of traumas.

In a video, Prince Harry can be seen undergoing EMDR therapy, where he taps his shoulders and moves his eyes rapidly. This therapy is relatively new and is used to treat PTSD. Prince Harry shared that he decided to try EMDR to deal with severe anxiety attacks he was experiencing.

Prince Harry mentioned that he was open to trying EMDR because of the therapy and work he had done over the years.

During a therapy session with UK-based psychotherapist Sanja Oakley, Prince Harry demonstrated how EMDR helped him feel better about returning home. He described feeling scared and helpless before, but the therapy helped him cope with those feelings.

Prince Harry’s openness about his experience with EMDR therapy sheds light on alternative treatments for post-traumatic disorder and mental health struggles. It shows that seeking help and trying different therapies can make a difference in managing mental health conditions.

EMDR is a therapy made in 1987 to help with emotional traumas. It’s a structured therapy where you think about a tough memory while moving your eyes back and forth. This helps lessen the strong feelings tied to the memory.

EMDR works on a theory called Adaptive Information Processing (AIP). It says that trauma sticks around because it hasn’t been dealt with properly. So, when something reminds you of the trauma, those memories can come back strongly.

Unlike other therapies that try to lessen your reaction to trauma, EMDR tries to change how your brain stores those tough memories. Sometimes, instead of eye movements, you might listen to alternating tones. Usually, EMDR happens once or twice a week for about six to 12 sessions. But it can vary depending on the person.

Benefits of EMDR therapy

• EMDR is a structured therapy and usually needs fewer sessions than ongoing therapies.
• You don’t have to keep going back to the tough memory for a long time.
• You don’t have to talk a lot about what happened to you.
• There’s no homework to do.
• EMDR doesn’t try to change your thoughts and beliefs.

Disadvantages of EMDR therapy

• While EMDR is known to help with PTSD, it hasn’t been studied as much for other mood or mental health problems.
• If you’re avoiding talking about a tough event, EMDR might not be the best choice. Other types of talk therapy might work better.
• EMDR can sometimes make you feel worse at the start of treatment. The person who created EMDR warns that this could be dangerous for people who have gone through really tough things.

The process of EMDR

EMDR is a structured process with eight phases, each aimed at helping you deal with traumatic memories:

1. History taking: Discuss your past with the therapist to identify which memories to focus on.
2. Preparation: Learn about EMDR and how the therapist will use bilateral stimulation.
3. Assessment: Identify your negative and positive beliefs related to the trauma.
4. Desensitization: Use bilateral stimulation while recalling the memory.
5. Installation: Focus on positive beliefs while processing the memory.
6. Body scan: Talk about how you feel emotionally and physically.
7. Closure: Prepare for what may happen between sessions.
8. Reevaluation: Assess your progress and decide if more sessions are needed.

As you go through EMDR, you may start feeling less overwhelmed by the trauma. It’s normal for other painful memories to surface, indicating that suppressed memories are being processed.

When grappling with deep emotional traumas, it’s crucial to seek out specialists who can provide the appropriate form of treatment tailored to your needs. Whether it’s EMDR therapy or other therapeutic approaches, finding the right professional can make a significant difference in your healing journey.

Preview photo credit Good Morning America / YouTube

The Wisdom of Jennifer Lopez in Love and Dating

If you’re in your late 20s or early 30s and navigating the world of dating apps, you know how exhausting it can be to sift through countless potential matches. But what if you had a guiding light to help you navigate this process? And what if that guiding light happened to be the one and only Jennifer Lopez?In a recent episode of Tinder’s “Swipe Sessions” video series, Lopez provided invaluable advice to Brooke, a 29-year-old country singer, as they sifted through her options on the app. Brooke expressed her desire to find a man who could “chop wood,” and as they swiped through profiles, Lopez shared some insightful dating wisdom.

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“Guys, until they’re 33, are really useless,” Lopez boldly stated.While this statement might seem harsh, there is some truth to it. According to relationship expert Jane Greer, author of “What About Me? Stop Selfishness From Ruining Your Relationship,” Lopez’s advice holds weight, especially if you are seeking commitment.Men often need time to establish their professional careers and attain financial stability, which in turn brings a sense of security to their lives. This journey towards maturity, influenced by accomplishments and experiences, usually occurs in their early 30s.

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This doesn’t mean that men in their 20s should be entirely off-limits. However, it does help explain why some men suddenly undergo a shift in their ability to commit once they reach their 30s.Greer further explains, “Sometimes you see a guy who’s been in several relationships, but then, in his early 30s, suddenly he meets a woman and is ready to marry her.”Share

While Jennifer Lopez’s advice may not apply to everyone, one thing is certain: knowing your worth and having standards that align with it never hurt anyone. So, the next time you find yourself swiping on a dating app, ask yourself, “What would Jennifer Lopez do?”