EMDR THERAPY

What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from different treatment approaches.

How does EMDR work?

EMDR therapy is an integrative psychotherapy and uses a technique called bilateral stimulation to repeatedly activate opposite sides of the brain. Therapists often use eye movements to facilitate the bilateral stimulation. These eye movements mimic the period of sleep referred to as rapid eye movement or REM sleep, and this portion of sleep is frequently considered to be the time when the mind processes the recent events in the person’s life.EMDR seems to help the brain reprocess the trapped memories is such a way that normal information processing is resumed. Therapists often use EMDR to help clients uncover and process beliefs that developed as the result relational traumas or childhood abuse and/or neglect. For a more detailed explanation please visit EMDRIA.

Who can benefit from EMDR?

EMDR had been originally established as helpful for PTSD, although it’s been proven useful for treatment in the following conditions:

  • Panic Attacks

  • Complicated Grief

  • Disturbing Memories

  • Phobias

  • Pain Disorders

  • Performance

  • Anxiety

  • Addictions

  • Stress Reduction

  • Sexual and/or Physical Abuse

  • Distressing emotions

What to Expect during your first EMDR Therapy Session

There are eight phases of EMDR. Initially, it will feel like a typical therapy experience as we discuss overall history and current day to day experiences where you would like to find relief.

Together we will identify unhelpful negative beliefs about yourself and identify core memories that are related to the formation of these beliefs.

The next phase is Preparation, where we will work together to ensure your nervous system is prepared to engage in the bilateral stage of EMDR. The length of this phase can vary depending on your own personal history.

The whole process is collaborative as we move towards the part of treatment where we start to target memories together. Throughout our work together you are encouraged to ask questions and give input. One of the most frequently asked questions during the process is: AM I DOING EMDR RIGHT? Fortunately, you really can’t do it wrong when working with a well trained EMDR therapist. The most common thing that gets in the way of a successful EMDR session is the fear of doing it wrong or reluctance to share honestly what feelings or memories come up during the processing. So, the most important part is finding a therapist that you trust. HOW DO I FIND A WELL TRAINED EMDR THERAPIST? One way to assess if a therapist is sufficiently trained is through the EMDRIA website, where you can find certified EMDR therapists. Most importantly, during your consult call with a prospective therapist you should feel