Now Accepting Clients for EMDR
eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
What is EMDR?
"EMDR is a structured client-centered therapeutic approach to reprocess trauma. It’s based on the theory that much of psychopathology is due to maladaptive and/or incomplete processing of difficult and painful life experiences, resulting in trauma. The eight-phase, three-pronged process of EMDR facilitates the resumption of normal information processing and integration. This treatment approach, which targets past experiences, current triggers, and future potential challenges, results in the alleviation of presenting symptoms, a decrease or elimination of distress from the disturbing memory, improved view of the self, relief from bodily disturbance, and resolution of present and future anticipated triggers. EMDR therapy is a therapeutic intervention that must be administered by an EMDR trained clinician or those who are currently participating in an EMDR International Association Approved training." (from EMDRIA.org)
How does it work?
“Our brains have a natural way to recover from traumatic memories and events. This process involves communication between the amygdala (the alarm signal for stressful events), the hippocampus (which assists with learning, including memories about safety and danger), and the prefrontal cortex (which analyzes and controls behavior and emotion). While many times traumatic experiences can be managed and resolved spontaneously, they may not be processed without help.
Stress responses are part of our natural fight, flight, or freeze instincts. When distress from a disturbing event remains, the upsetting images, thoughts, and emotions may create an overwhelming feeling of being back in that moment, or of being 'frozen in time'. EMDR therapy helps the brain process these memories, and allows normal healing to resume. The experience is still remembered, but the fight, flight, or freeze response from the original event is resolved.” (from EMDRIA.org)
What can I expect?
Before desensitization begins, we will create a treatment plan together. This occurs after gathering a complete history so we know what memories and experiences to target so you have the most efficient and effective outcome. During this time, we will also develop plenty of internal resources in the form of grounding and coping skills so you’ll feel confident and prepared to do the work.
Desensitization is done through the use of bilateral stimulation (BLS), often in the form of tapping, eye movement or auditory tones, while you’re targeting a memory, negative cognition and sensation. At this time, your brains own healing system is activated and doing the work. This does not require you to share in detail about the traumatic experience. In fact, its frowned upon because too much talking disrupts your brain’s ability to reprocess. After reprocessing is complete, we will install healthier, more positive self-beliefs to help you feel equipped to handle similar situations and feelings in the future.
How long does it take?
A typical EMDR therapy session lasts from 60-90 minutes. It could take one or several sessions to process one traumatic experience.
The goal of EMDR therapy is to completely process the traumatic experiences that are causing problems and to include new ones needed for full health. The amount of time it will take to complete EMDR treatment for traumatic experiences will depend upon the client's history. Complete treatment of a single EMDR trauma target involves a three-pronged protocol to alleviate the symptoms and address the complete clinical picture. The three prongs include:
- past memories
- present disturbance
- future actions
Although EMDR therapy may produce results more rapidly than other forms of therapy, speed is not the goal of therapy, and it is essential to remember that every client has different needs. For instance, one client may take weeks to establish sufficient feelings of trust (Phase 2), while another may proceed quickly through the first six phases of treatment only to reveal something even more important that needs treatment (from EMDRIA.org).
