What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of therapy that helps people heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences. EMDR is an evidence based form of therapy effective in treating trauma.
About EMDR Therapy
Our brains have a natural way to recover from traumatic memories and events. In most instances traumatic experiences can be managed and resolved spontaneously; when this process does not occur spontaneously, traumatic experiences 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 feelings of overwhelm, 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.”
How is EMDR different from other therapies?
Unlike other therapy modalities, EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue, or homework between sessions. EMDR, rather than focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue, allows the brain to resume its natural healing process. EMDR therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain. Part of the therapy includes alternating eye movements, sounds, or taps. For many clients, EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than other psychotherapies.
What are some of the symptoms that can be helped by EMDR?
High anxiety and lack of motivation
Depression
Distressing memories
Fear of being alone
Irrational feelings of guilt and shame
Difficulty trusting others
Relationship problems
If you would like to experience the benefits of EMDR, request a free 20-minute phone consultation to discuss how it might be a benefit to you.
(EMDR information and description adapted from www.emdria.org)