EMDR is Effective in Preventing Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries as well as Treating Post-Traumatic Symptoms for RCMP and First Responders.

As an RCMP member, military or veteran, If you find yourself saying, " I am weak if I ask for help," you may find this article helpful.

The idea that a police member or first responder is weak if they ask for help is outdated. This myth harms a person's overall well-being and can make the experience of EMDR treatment more difficult, especially if one feels forced to accept therapy after years of service. Don't wait until you are 30 years active to ask for help. Get help as soon as possible so that you can process any critical incident and prevent the possibility of post-traumatic symptoms from getting stuck in the nervous system. Complex critical incidents can pile up on each other, causing negative symptoms that overwhelm a person over years of service.

Getting help sooner rather than later takes care of your health and sustains your career. Your ability to continue working is maintained as you continue to go for regular EMDR therapy to process the incidents you encounter.

EMDR can be used individually or in a group format. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to effectively help the brain process the worst part of the incident that you experienced. Bilateral stimulation such as eye movement, tapping, or binaural beats keeps you present while thinking about the past. This method helps the brain unlock what it needs to alleviate negative symptoms like nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance, hypo-arousal ( feeling numb) and other negative symptoms.

If you are having trouble sleeping, experiencing intrusive images about work incidents, have nightmares, and flashbacks, feel on edge, hyper-vigilant, or are unable to relax, you will benefit from EMDR as a therapy.

Crystal Arber, a registered social worker and registered clinical counsellor, works with military, police, health care professionals and survivors of childhood trauma. She is certified in EMDR and an EMDR consultant and Trainer. Crystal also works with refugees using EMDR in a group format helping those who are fleeing from war to process the traumatic experiences of War and displacement.