EMDR and PTSD Recovery
EMDR and PTSD Recovery By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. EMDR may support PTSD recovery for some patients by helping them process traumatic memories that continue to trigger fear, shame, anger, body tension, nightmares, avoidance, and hypervigilance. EMDR is not about erasing the past. It is about helping the nervous system respond differently so the […]
What Is EMDR Therapy?
What Is EMDR Therapy? By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. EMDR therapy, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a structured trauma-focused therapy that helps people process distressing memories so the nervous system no longer reacts as strongly or automatically. EMDR does not erase the past. The goal is to reduce the emotional charge, body […]
Can EMDR Help Reduce Nightmares?
Can EMDR Help Reduce Nightmares? By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Can EMDR help reduce nightmares? Yes, EMDR may help reduce nightmares when the nightmares are connected to trauma, PTSD, anxiety, or disturbing memories that the nervous system has not fully processed. EMDR does not work by trying to force the dream to stop. It […]
Why Can’t I Put My Phone Down at Night?
Why Can’t I Put My Phone Down at Night? By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. If you find yourself scrolling through your phone long after you intended to go to sleep, and keep asking yourself, “Why can’t I put my phone down at night?” the problem is often not a lack of discipline. More often, it […]
Paradoxical Insomnia (Sleep State Misperception): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Paradoxical Insomnia (Sleep State Misperception): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph. D. Many people wonder, what is paradoxical insomnia? Paradoxical insomnia, also known as sleep state misperception, sleep misperception, or subjective insomnia, is a sleep disorder in which people believe they are awake for much of the night even though they […]
Why Do I Wake Up at 3 A.M. Every Night?
Why Do I Wake Up at 3 A.M. Every Night? By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. If you wake up at 3 A.M. every night, your nervous system, stress hormones, sleep rhythm, pain, trauma history, or nighttime anxiety may be keeping your brain alert when your body should stay asleep. Alcohol, medication rebound, depression, chronic […]
How Hypervigilance Causes Sleep Problems and Insomnia
How Hypervigilance Causes Sleep Problems and Insomnia By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Hypervigilance can cause sleep problems and insomnia because the nervous system stays on alert when it should be resting. A person may be physically safe in bed, but the brain and body may still be scanning for threat. This can lead to […]
Can PTSD Cause Insomnia?
Can PTSD Cause Insomnia? By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Yes, PTSD can cause insomnia. Post-traumatic stress disorder can keep the nervous system on alert long after the danger has passed. A person may be physically safe in bed, but the brain and body may still be scanning for threat. That can make it hard […]
Why Trauma Survivors Often Struggle With Sleep and Insomnia
Why Trauma Survivors Often Struggle With Sleep and Insomnia By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Trauma survivors often struggle with sleep because the nervous system may stay alert long after the danger has passed. Bedtime can feel unsafe when the brain connects stillness, darkness, or loss of control with threat. This is not weakness. It […]
Can CBT-I Help You Sleep Without Medication?
Can CBT-I Help You Sleep Without Medication? By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Yes, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, or CBT-I, can help many people sleep with less reliance on medication. CBT-I teaches the brain and body how to return to natural sleep by changing the thoughts, behaviors, habits, and nervous-system patterns that keep insomnia […]