EMDR Therapy
What Is EMDR?
EMDR is a widely respected and evidence-based treatment approach for resolving trauma, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and other trauma related conditions. When trauma occurs, the event or events becomes frozen in a person’s nervous system and leads to a number of psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
Unprocessed traumatic memories continue to cause a number of issues for the person including faulty decision making, negative beliefs about oneself, and extreme episodes of terror, anger, shame, and guilt.
For many, these memories remain stored in the brain in a highly charged state and no matter how much time has passed, it can feel as if the event happened just yesterday. It continues to play on a loop in your mind sometimes in 3-D with all the disturbing sights, sounds, smells that accompanied the original event.
EMDR works to neutralize disturbing memories so you can be free to live your life without the hold that these events have over you.
The Origins Of EMDR
EMDR was developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987 who discovered that intentionally moving your eyes back and forth while simultaneously focusing on a traumatic memory or distressing event leads to a reduction in the vividness and intensity of the memory and, over time, completely neutralizes the memory.
Shapiro first began using her work on Vietnam War veterans who had been in severe emotional pain for decades. She discovered, after a relatively short amount of time, the veterans reported significant relief and an end to many of the problems they’d been experiencing for far too long.
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What Is The General Format And Structure Of An EMDR Session?
EMDR therapists lead clients in focusing on a disturbing memory while also engaging in bilateral (back-and-forth) stimulation. BLS is offered in various forms such as visual left-to-right eye movements, auditory bilateral stimulation using headphones, tactile bilateral stimulation using a vibrating pulsar, or tapping on the back of the person’s hands.
Before the processing session, therapist and client will identify a specific memory to work on. While the client focuses on the upsetting event, the therapist will begin sets of side-to-side eye movements, taps, sounds, or pulsers. After each set of bilateral stimuli, the client is asked to notice what shifts are occurring related to the memory which may include shifts in the image of the memory, thoughts, feelings, sensations, impulses, or any insights emerging. The sets of eye movements, sounds, or taps are repeated until the event becomes less disturbing and ultimately reaches a place of neutrality. It typically takes between one to several sessions to fully process an event. When an event is fully processed, a client will not only notice that the memory is no longer bothering them but also experience a profound positive shift in how they view themselves, others, and the world around them.
Is EMDR Right For Me?
EMDR therapy is particularly helpful for individuals who have experienced trauma, suffer from PTSD, or other trauma-related conditions. It focuses on processing traumatic memories and reducing associated symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance behaviors, and being on guard.
Individuals with trauma and PTSD often don’t want to talk about disturbing or distressing memories from the past. In fact, research shows that talking about trauma is rarely effective for the resolution of it. Since EMDR treatment does not require extensive discussion of the trauma story in order to be effective, it offers an appealing alternative for many.
What Issues Can EMDR Help With?
EMDR is an appropriate therapy for children, adolescents, and adults who have suffered trauma such as a car accident, abuse of any kind, bullying, harassment, a tragic loss, war combat, and any event causing ongoing emotional distress.
Events may be a singular or one-time incident or a string of related events that occurred over a period of time. It is not necessary to remember the full event in order for EMDR to be effective.
EMDR is highly successful for treating a variety of emotional symptoms such as:
Anxiety
Grief
Phobias
Depression
Panic attacks
Vicarious Trauma
How Effective Is EMDR?
Since the publication of initial studies in 1989, there have been hundreds of case studies demonstrating EMDR’s effectiveness and it is currently widely accepted as an empirically validated treatment of trauma. Numerous organizations have designated EMDR therapy as a frontline treatment for PTSD including the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
Why I Got Trained In EMDR And Why I Love Using This Approach With Clients
I was initially trained in EMDR in 2013 and went on to complete a number of advanced trainings over the years. I loved being able to offer clients a way out of their traumatic distress in a relatively short amount of time. I especially appreciated that EMDR bypasses the need to talk extensively about disturbing events which many find overwhelming. Ultimately, I find EMDR to be a truly helpful approach to support clients in regaining control of their lives.
Are You Ready To Release The Hold The Past Has Over You And Reclaim A Fuller Version Of Yourself?
To schedule your first appointment or to schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation, please reach out at 210.802.2697.