EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy method meaning that it has been extensively researched and proven to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is designed to work with distressing or traumatic memories. Many difficulties with emotions, behaviors, and even relationships occur from unprocessed or unresolved distressing life experiences that have not been properly stored within our memory.
EMDR differs from traditional talk therapy which is formatted on discussing things that have happened. EMDR approach with distressing or traumatic memories helps the client gain new perspectives and emotions to help lead toward new healthy behaviors and relationships with others.
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EMDR is a psychotherapeutic method that may be used to treat many different presenting problems including
Major Depression
Generalized Anxiety/Panic Attacks
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Addiction
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The beginning phases of treatment will address what the client wants to focus on and increase the client’s abilities to face emotional disturbances. The therapist will teach a variety of relaxation techniques.
The next phase of EMDR therapy will address a specific event focusing attention on a negative image, belief of one’s self, emotions, and body sensations, and then a positive belief of one’s self to indicate the issue was resolved.
During this phase, the therapist will begin sets of bilateral stimulating eye movements, sounds, or taps. The therapist will guide the client to notice what comes up after each set (e.g feelings, body sensations, changes in images, shifts in insights or beliefs regarding the upsetting event). EMDR does not require talking in detail about the upsetting event. The processing allows for the brain to enact its own healing properties.
While the client is being guided, he or she has full control to stop the therapist at any point. EMDR therapy may be used as an adjunctive therapy with a separate therapist, with standard talk therapy, or as a treatment all by itself, depending on the therapist’s and client’s agreement.
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Your therapist will make a clinical assessment on your need for EMDR and work with you to support your ability to manage distressing emotions prior to engaging in trauma-processing.
