STHS Behavorial is hosting a seminar on overcoming trauma

SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH SYSTEM BEHAVIORAL TO HOST ONLINE SEMINAR ON OVERCOMING TRAUMA THROUGH EMDR THERAPY

For the next installment of its monthly Let’s Talk Mental Health webinar series, STHS Behavioral will provide education on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EDMR) therapy, a psychotherapy technique that helps people process traumatic memories and other distressing experiences

The lasting effects of trauma vary among individuals, manifesting in diverse ways and significantly impacting the lives of survivors. Through therapy, a trauma survivor can process these distressing experiences and get the help necessary to effectively manage the lasting effects of trauma that may follow.

Trauma-informed therapy, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, can help address a diverse array of mental health conditions where trauma plays a significant role in symptom development.

Among the various methods of trauma-informed therapy is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy – a specialized psychotherapy technique designed to help individuals reprocess and resolve disturbing memories and experiences that affect mental health.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR therapy does not focus primarily on discussing the trauma. Instead, it aims to change the way traumatic memories are stored in the brain, allowing a trauma survivor to heal emotionally without being overwhelmed by the intensity of their memories. The psychotherapy technique uses a unique method that consists of rapid eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, like tapping or hand movements, to help individuals process traumatic memories. Ultimately, the goal is to help a survivor heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences.

While a relatively new mental health treatment technique, the development of EDMR therapy has proven effective in helping a person faster than many other methods, per the Cleveland Clinic. Some studies even show that up to 90% of single-trauma victims no longer have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after three 90-minute sessions.

“By facilitating the brain’s natural ability to process memories, EMDR therapy empowers individuals to move beyond the effects of trauma and gain a better sense of emotional well-being and resilience,” says Leticia Sosa, MSSW, LSCW, LCDC-I,CLYL, Director of Outpatient Services, South Texas Health System Behavioral. “EMDR therapy helps give patients the tools they need to effectively deal with past, present and future trauma while focusing on the positive.”

To provide a better understanding of EMDR therapy, South Texas Health System Behavioral is dedicating its latest Let’s Talk Mental Health online seminar to this effective form of trauma-informed therapy.

Streaming live via STHS’ Facebook page on Thursday, February 6, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., a mental health expert will discuss the wide range of emotional and psychological issues EMDR therapy can address, including trauma, anxiety, depression and phobias. For more information on the webinar, visit the STHS Facebook Events page. To watch previous Let’s Talk Mental Health Seminars, visit STHSLetsTalk.com.

Who: South Texas Health System Behavioral

What: FREE virtual seminar entitled “Let’s Talk Mental Health– Unlocking Healing: Inside EMDR Therapy”

When: Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Where: Online via STHS’ Facebook page

About South Texas Health System

South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system’s South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.

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