EMDR

DO YOU EXPERIENCE DISTRESSING EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL RESPONSES TO ANXIETY, STRESS, AND/OR PANIC ATTACKS?

HAVE YOU BEEN IN COUNSELING FOR ANXIETY-RELATED PROBLEMS, BUT IT DID NOT EASE YOUR SYMPTOMS?

ARE YOU WILLING TO TRY THERAPY THAT’S A LITTLE DIFFERENT AND HAS BEEN FOUND TO HELP ANXIETY, PANIC DISORDER, STRESS AND MORE?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an interactive therapeutic technique that helps clients heal from the symptoms of distressing life events and particularly helps people who have experienced trauma. When a traumatic event overwhelms the brain, the memories are stored in an unorganized manner and are not able to be processed. When traumatic memories are not processed in a healthy way, what is left are unhealthy thoughts and feelings that become triggered when something reminds us of the traumatic event. Use of the EMDR protocol and bilateral stimulation reprocesses the distressing memories in an organized way that decreases the distress around the memories. The intent of EMDR treatment is to help reprocess memories in a more positive way.

EMDR is empirically supported, which means there is research-based evidence that shows it works.

In EMDR Phase 1, the therapist and client complete the history of the traumatic or distressing experience and identify targets to process. Phase 2 includes the preparation phase in which EMDR is explained to the client and the therapist leads the client through exercises to help them manage their anxiety between sessions. In Phase 3, the client completes an assessment of their past memories and selects a target to process. Phase 4 is the actual desensitization phase where bilateral stimulation is used to process the selected target. Bilateral stimulation (BLS) consists of side-to-side eye movements or an alternative technique involving alternating tapping or the use of vibrations. Phase 5 is the installation phase where the new positive cognition is strengthened as much as possible. Phase 6 includes the Body Scan that ensures that the positive cognition is strengthened to the fullest extent. Phase 7 is the closure of the target.

In an EMDR session, the therapist guides and supports the client through a process of healing. EMDR can help you to explore feelings, thoughts, beliefs, and physical sensations associated with past disturbing experiences. Then, we will work together to reprocess the memories until they are no longer disturbing, and we will instill positive cognitions around the experience. By incorporating this process, you can decrease negative emotions around the memory so that it becomes less bothersome and has less power over you.