EMDR Therapy
"EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.
It is an empirically supported (well-researched), and structured model of treatment that involves working with memories, body sensations, core-self beliefs, and emotions to decrease and eliminate emotional, somatic, and cognitive remnants of painful past experiences.
EMDR is not a traditional talk therapy like most other psychotherapies. It is widely assumed that severe emotional pain requires a long time to heal. EMDR therapy.
shows that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma. When you cut your hand, your body works to close the wound. If a foreign object or repeated injury irritates the wound, it prevents it from fully healing and causes pain. Once the block is removed, healing resumes.
Similarly, the mind will naturally move toward mental health. If the system is blocked by the impact of a disturbing event, the emotional wound persists and can cause intense suffering. Past events become present, and individuals may experience flashbacks, disturbing thoughts, disrupted sleep, and avoid thinking or talking about past events. Using the detailed protocols and procedures, therapists help clients activate their brain’s natural healing processes."
WHAT DOES EMDR TREAT?
EMDR has been proven to successfully treat several problems, including (but not limited to) the following:
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Past and Recent Trauma
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Panic Attacks
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Generalized Anxiety
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Phobias
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Addiction
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Eating Disorders
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Traumatic Grief/Loss
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Low Self-Esteem
HOW LONG DOES EMDR TAKE?
Every person and their healing journey are different, therefore the amount of time it takes to resolve emotional distress will vary from person to person. However, EMDR is proven to be a highly rapid and effective form of treatment compared to other forms of therapy (such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) because it literally restructures how the brain operates on a physiological level.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT WITH EMDR THERAPY?
EMDR therapy is work, and it is not the right fit for every person. But for those that EMDR is a good fit for, it is well WORTH IT.
Most of my clients tell me that they notice a dramatic positive shift in how they think and feel about specific experiences and that once they start EMDR that they feel "lighter," “the memory becomes foggier or further away, “less intrusive,” about things that they have been holding onto for a while.
I often hear my clients say: "I wish I would have known about EMDR years ago".
I want you to know that I will guide you through the EMDR preparation stage to safely identify which past experiences are connected to present problems. Before we work through the past issues, we will spend some time developing the resources and coping skills necessary to ensure that your EMDR treatment is optimal. This will include learning creative and effective techniques to bring calm and peace into your mind and body.
We will develop a treatment plan and set goals. I will guide, encourage, and support you throughout each session. At the end of our session time, I will invite you to join in deep breathing practice, grounding techniques, immersing yourself in what you have identified as your “own safe place,” and activating all your senses as your mind and body return to safety.
Because your brain is doing a lot of work during EMDR, you may feel extra tired after an EMDR session. For this reason, I recommend that you take it extra easy after an EMDR session and do some self-care to help relax your nervous system from the emotional processing that is taking place.
WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENS IN AN EMDR SESSION?
Eye Movement: In a nutshell, the physical aspects of EMDR involves the client simply following the therapist’s fingers back and forth through their field of vision. This eye movement creates what is called “bilateral stimulation” in the brain. Bilateral stimulation is similar to the eye movements in REM sleep and allows the client to access disturbing memories in a safe way to start reducing the impact that those memories have on present functioning. While the eye movement may seem hypnotic, EMDR is not like hypnosis because the client is always in control and fully aware of what is taking place. Other forms of bilateral stimulation may be used, including listening to alternating sounds or by holding buzzers that alternate vibrations. This process then leads to desensitization and reprocessing of those thoughts and images (explained below).
Desensitization: This is a form of brief, safe and controlled exposure therapy. We will “target” past events that are causing present distress by identifying a mental “picture” of the memory, the emotions and body sensations that are associated with it and a negative belief that you are having about yourself (i.e.: “It was my fault.”). Then we will do several sets of eye movements. This part of EMDR often creates temporary discomfort and a moderate level of distress for some clients but then that discomfort resolves more quickly especially when compared to other forms of trauma treatment. I work very closely with my clients to assess and ensure that their level of distress does not become intolerable and that they feel safe and supported.
Reprocessing: Reprocessing in EMDR does not mean that you must talk in great detail about experiences that you have had. Although if you wish to discuss these experiences in detail, I am fully supportive of that and it does not hinder the EMDR process. This part of treatment allows for new, more positive associations to be made with past disturbing memories. You will be literally re-organizing how your brain stores memories, feelings and beliefs. For instance, someone may have believed “I am unlovable” and after EMDR can affirm “I am worthy and deserve love.” It is a powerful and life changing experience for many people who experience EMDR.
CAN I DO EMDR ON MYSELF?
It is not recommended. EMDR practitioners attend intensive, specialized post-master’s training and supervision to provide this type of therapy. EMDR requires a highly skilled therapist to work closely with you in order to ensure that you are not re-traumatized or experience adverse effects.
Some people tend to be particularly tired after these sessions because of the strong physical and emotional trauma that was released-and your body needs time to rest to heal. Intentional self-care is important during the therapeutic process.
Source: www.emdria.com
Source: WilcoxWellness.com
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He shall make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6