EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapeutic treatment specifically developed to help process trauma, both ‘big’ and ‘small’. EMDR Treatment is usually much quicker than talk therapy in healing trauma, though both are effective and useful.
Trauma memories tend to be processed differently than normal memories, resulting in symptoms like anxiety, depression, nightmares, anger, guilt, intrusive flashbacks and thoughts, and/or physical symptoms.
EMDR therapy uses specific exercises (bi-lateral stimulation) to assist the brain in reprocessing these memories and emotions, reducing or eliminating trauma related symptoms.
In this treatment, memories do not need to be specifically talked about - the goal of this treatment is to help your brain process these memories in ways that make them much less painful. Though talking during the main phase of treatment is welcomed, it is not required.
If you’re interested in finding out more about EMDR, check out EMDRIA and the APA.