Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
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 method that uses a technique called bilateral stimulation to repeatedly activate opposite sides of the brain. Therapists often use eye movements to facilitate 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 in 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 of relational traumas, or childhood abuse and/or neglect.
WHAT DOES EMDR HELP?
EMDR had been originally established as helpful for PTSD, although it's been proven useful for treatment in the following conditions:
Depression
Panic Attacks
Complicated Grief
Disturbing Memories
Phobias
Pain Disorders
Performance Anxiety
Addictions
Stress Reduction
Abuse
As a Certified EMDR therapist through EMDRIA, I have been trained in an attachment-based EMDR Method named SAFE EMDR. The SAFE EMDR utilizes all eight phases of treatment as the protocol indicates, emphasizing what makes us feel safe and connected to others.
Many clients fear re-experiencing the traumatic event. The manner of identifying the memories to be reprocessed is a nonviolent one where we meet the client where the client is at, and we only move to process what the client is ready to do. Much of the time is spent assessing the client's readiness, preparing the client through resourcing, and constantly assessing windows of tolerance to move forward. Treatment is specifically tailored to the client's needs and adjusted accordingly.
As a therapist, I have witnessed how profoundly healing this process can be for clients. As a person, I have engaged in EMDR for myself as well. It is effective, safe, and healing. It leaves those that have experienced it with a sense of increased well-being, healthy, secured, and empowered to move forward in life.
If you are interested in learning more about EMDR, CLICK HERE to the EMDRIA Website. You can also find a wealth of additional resources and access an EMDR-trained therapist directory.