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:
- History taking: Discuss your past with the therapist to identify which memories to focus on.
- Preparation: Learn about EMDR and how the therapist will use bilateral stimulation.
- Assessment: Identify your negative and positive beliefs related to the trauma.
- Desensitization: Use bilateral stimulation while recalling the memory.
- Installation: Focus on positive beliefs while processing the memory.
- Body scan: Talk about how you feel emotionally and physically.
- Closure: Prepare for what may happen between sessions.
- 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
Johnny Depp gave entire movie salary to another celebrity’s daughter to ensure she didn’t struggle in future
Johnny Depp is back in the news over a year after winning his defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife Amber Heard; this time, it’s for his work-related pursuits and a beloved Heath Ledger. The well-known actor is about to make a big return in the historical drama Jeanne du Barry by Maïwenn. The movie received a thunderous seven-minute standing ovation during its world premiere at the esteemed Cannes Film Festival in 2023.
A Return to the Big Screen
Depp’s first significant film role after his protracted legal struggle with Heard is Jeanne du Barry. Both fans and critics have been eagerly awaiting the actor’s comeback to the big screen. According to the way the movie was received at Cannes, Depp’s performance struck a deep chord and might be the start of something new in his illustrious career.
A Settlement in Court and a Charitable Promise
In their well reported defamation lawsuit, Johnny Depp and Amber Heard came to a deal in December 2022. Heard had to give Depp $1 million as part of the deal. Depp’s legal team revealed that he will be giving the full settlement cash to different charity, displaying his generous nature. This act is in line with Depp’s previous charitable contributions.
A Generous Past
Depp has a long history of charitable giving. One noteworthy event was when he gave his whole payment from The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus to the late Heath Ledger’s co-star’s kid. Matilda, Ledger’s little daughter, was left behind after he died in January 2008 at the age of 28 following an accidental drug overdose. Jude Law, Colin Farrell, and other performers filled in to finish Ledger’s last movie. They each portrayed distinct iterations of Ledger’s Tony, guaranteeing the project’s success.
Assisting the Family of Heath Ledger
Along with their work on screen, Depp, Farrell, and Law chose to give Matilda their share of the movie’s profits. Their anxiety about her financial future was the driving force behind their decision. Given that Ledger had neglected to amend his will to include her. This deed of goodwill demonstrated the generosity and camaraderie of Ledger’s coworkers and was greatly applauded.
Paying Tribute to Hunter S. Thompson
Depp is a philanthropist in addition to being close to Ledger’s family. In 2005, Depp paid $3 million for his friend Hunter S. Thompson’s burial, fulfilling the famed writer and journalist’s last request to have his ashes shot from a cannon. This lavish show of devotion and regard for Thompson—whom Depp starred in the movie Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas—was highlighted by this costly gesture.
Depp on the Legacy of Ledger
When talking back on his time spent filming The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, Depp has nothing but praise for Heath Ledger. According to him, Ledger is “the only player out there with a thundering and ungovernable talent that is breathing heavily down the back of every established actor’s neck.” It was clear that Depp respected Ledger’s presence and skill, highlighting the significant influence Ledger had on others around him.
Accolades to My Other Cast Members
Depp also gave his co-stars in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus acclaim for their outstanding performances. He emphasized the Devil played by Tom Waits, the outstanding acting of Christopher Plummer, and the compelling roles of Lily Cole and Andrew Garfield. Depp was proud of Farrell and Law and praised them for trying to use their work to pay tribute to Heath Ledger’s legacy.
A Sturdy Comeback
Johnny Depp’s perseverance and commitment to his work are demonstrated by his journey from a contentious court case to a well-received film debut. Fans and the film business are watching closely as he returns to the spotlight. Expecting more outstanding work from this versatile performer.
Leave a Reply