What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a highly effective psychotherapy approach designed to help individuals heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has been extensively researched and is recognized as a highly effective, evidence-based treatment for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Is EMDR only for PTSD?
Actually, EMDR has proven to be beneficial for many concerns people struggle with in life. It's been proven effective in treating many types of anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), panic symptoms, depression, and is also useful in transformational work.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR therapy is based on the premise that our minds can heal from psychological injury in much the same way that our bodies recover from physical injury. We all process highly distressing emotional experiences as a normal part of life. However, sometimes when a person experiences a traumatic event, it can overwhelm their coping mechanisms, leaving the memory of the event unprocessed and stuck in the nervous system as a continual response to threat. These unprocessed memories - images, thoughts, and sensory experiences - can lead to ongoing psychological distress and symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
What to Expect with EMDR Treatment
During EMDR treatment, you can expect a collaborative approach tailored to address your specific needs. EMDR Therapists have received specialized training and supervision in the structured protocol used for treatment. Your first appointment will entail history taking and treatment planning, where your therapist gathers detailed background information and develops a personalized plan. The following session(s) includes preparation, involving the explanation of EMDR and development of coping strategies, and then assessment, where specific memories and associated negative beliefs are identified. The EMDR desensitization, focuses on these memories with use of bilateral stimulation (also called dual awareness stimulation) which can either be visual, auditory or tactile, and does not require use of all methods. Through the processing, the network in the brain that holds the experience of the memory is reorganized, allowing positive thoughts to replace the negative. The structured approach helps reprocess and diminish the emotional impact of distressing memories, facilitating emotional balance and healing. Further sessions will assess progress and discuss a plan for next steps in treatment.
Is EMDR Right for You?
EMDR can be beneficial for a wide range of issues beyond PTSD. During your initial intake appointment, we will discuss your specific situation, answer any of your questions, and determine if EMDR is the best approach to help you achieve your therapeutic goals.
Schedule a Consultation to Learn how EMDR can Help You
If you are interested in learning more about EMDR or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact our office. Our highly skilled psychologists are here to support you on your journey to healing and well-being.