Candela Bianconi, psychologist
10 October is World Mental Health Day, a pivotal date to reflect on the state of our mental health and the impact of emotional disorders on society. Mental health problems can be very diverse and affect the health of more people than one can perhaps imagine: 1 in 4 people will suffer from a mental health problem in their lifetime, with anxiety and depression being the most common disorders, affecting 6.7% of the population in Spain. At Dylsi, an exclusive agency of AXA, we collaborate with the psychologist Candela Bianconi, a specialist in EMDR therapy. This method has emerged as an innovative and effective tool to treat these problems at their origin. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a technique that activates the brain’s natural processing system. According to
Dr. Candela Bianconi , a specialist in this technique, EMDR allows the brain to process traumatic experiences it had not correctly assimilated in the past, causing emotional blocks in the present. “Under normal conditions, the brain carries out this emotional processing work during the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) phase of sleep. However, when a person does not enter this phase or the experiences are too intense to process, these experiences are blocked and cause symptoms that can appear years later”.
How does EMDR work?
“EMDR is a different therapy that activates the brain’s innate processing system. We aim to provide the brain with the necessary tools to heal itself, allowing us to go directly to the root of the emotional problem and resolve it from there”, explains the psychologist. EMDR not only treats the current symptoms but also looks for the root of the problems, many of which originate in childhood. If a person experiences traumatic situations that the brain does not process correctly at the time, issues such as anxiety, depression, or psychosomatic disorders can arise. EMDR guides patients through these memories, allowing the brain to reprocess the information to reduce the emotional burden and restore well-being.
A typical case: chronic anxiety
“When people experience very intense or prolonged situations at an early age, such as a family environment with constant pressure, lack of emotional support or even unresolved traumas, and the brain does not process these experiences correctly, emotional problems such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and even eating disorders or addictions can arise in adulthood”, says Dr Candela Bianconi. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a dramatic event such as an accident; sometimes, the absence of support or a trusted figure can leave a deep imprint on the psyche.
A typical example that the specialist deals with in her practice is that of a patient who suffers from chronic anxiety. The patient, constantly comparing herself to others, developed a constant feeling of inferiority. When working with EMDR, they discovered that, in her childhood, her parents demanded excellent school results while she faced financial problems that made her feel different from her friends. These experiences, which her brain did not process properly at the time, led to a lack of self-esteem. Thanks to EMDR, she was able to free herself from these destructive thought patterns and find emotional balance.
With the help of EMDR, the psychologist guides patients through their memories so that the brain processes the information.
Impact on different patients
EMDR is particularly effective for people who have tried multiple therapies without success, especially in cases of psychosomatic disorders, addictions, anxiety or eating problems. The treatment has also shown to be effective in cases of postpartum depression and relationship problems, moments in life that are likely to unblock difficult-to-manage emotions.
The importance of support
It is crucial to remember that we can manage many mental health problems with appropriate treatment. However, almost 50% of people with mental health problems do not receive the treatment they need. With therapies such as EMDR and a holistic approach to mental health, more people can embrace the opportunity to heal and regain control of their lives.
EMDR addresses the current symptoms and works deeply into the origins of the trauma to provide a more lasting solution. On World Mental Health Day, at Dylsi, an exclusive agency of AXA, we remind you of the importance of seeking professional help and not underestimating the impact of mental disorders.
This article has been created in collaboration with Dr. Candela Bianconi, psychologist and specialist in EMDR therapy. Here’s how to contact her:
Web: Doctoralia
Teléfono: (0034) 635 810 131
Correo: [email protected]
Dirección: Avda. del Tren, 13 – 07500 Manacor
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