I am trained in EMDR by the leading EMDR organization – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association (EMDRIA). As a therapist, I have seen clients experience remarkable improvement in quality of life after EMDR Therapy. Here is some information about EMDR. Please call or email me to have a free consultation if you would like to talk about how EMDR might be a good form of therapy for you.
EMDR
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a form of psychotherapy that has been extensively researched and proven to be highly effective in the treatment of trauma and other mental health conditions. Developed in the 1980s by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., EMDR utilizes a unique approach that helps the brain process and integrate traumatic memories in a healthy way.
The core of EMDR therapy involves recalling distressing memories while engaging in rapid back-and-forth eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, such as tapping or auditory tones. This process helps to unlock the brain’s natural ability to process and digest the memories, relieving the emotional distress associated with them.
How does EMDR work?
Trauma and other disturbing life experiences can become “stuck” in the brain, leading to a variety of symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression. EMDR therapy helps to “unstick” these memories, allowing the brain to fully process and integrate them.
During an EMDR session, you will work closely with your therapist to identify a specific memory or experience that is causing you distress. Your therapist will then guide you through a series of sets of rapid eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation as you focus on the memory.
This bilateral stimulation appears to activate the brain’s natural information processing system, enabling the brain to work through the memory in a more adaptive way. As this happens, you may experience a shift in how you think and feel about the memory, with decreased emotional distress and more adaptive beliefs about yourself and the event.
What can EMDR treat?
EMDR has been extensively researched and is an Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) for the treatment of trauma and PTSD. It has also been found to be effective in treating a wide range of other mental health concerns, including:
- Anxiety and panic disorders
- Depression
- Phobias
- Grief and loss
- Chronic pain
- Addiction
- Low self-esteem
- Performance anxiety
What to expect in EMDR therapy
EMDR therapy is typically delivered in a series of weekly sessions, with each session lasting 60-90 minutes. The number of sessions required can vary depending on the complexity of the issues being addressed, but many people see significant improvements within 12-24 sessions.
