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EMDR THERAPY
Helps Us Heal.
Too often, we experience things in life that can get stuck in our neurological system. These can be big events that we know are considered traumatic. Or these can be things that just hit us hard. Sometimes we aren't even aware of how much it impacted us, but our bodies are still reacting to it. Trauma often emerges as a reaction rather than a memory.
WHAT IS EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR is a comprehensive therapeutic approach that helps us heal and reprocess past, present, or future events in our lives that cause distress.
We activate both sides of the brain using Dual Attention Stimulation (DAS). Through movement, we alternate from right to left. This may come in the form of eye movements (similar to watching a ping-pong game), tones or music delivered to each ear, or tactile stimulation, such as alternating hand taps. We use fun, creative playful EMDR methods with kids and teens--using musical instruments, toys, puppets, pictures, moving our bodies, and more!
Choose the method that works best for you!
MORE ABOUT EMDR
There are 8 phases in EMDR therapy. When we get into the reprocessing phase, EMDR does not require hashing out all of the details of the distressing event(s) or completing homework between every session. (Though skill-building is necessary to prepare readiness for this phase.) Attention will be given to a negative image, belief, emotion, and body sensation related to a specific event, and then to a positive belief that would indicate the issue was resolved. EMDR therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed, traumatic, stressful memories in the brain. It allows the brain to carry out its natural healing process. This therapy also helps us to strengthen feelings of capability, confidence, and overall calmness.
Contact us to see if EMDR Therapy might be a good fit for you or your child.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM EMDR THERAPY?
EMDR is a research-based therapy proven to help children and adults of all ages. EMDR therapy can address a wide range of challenges:
Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
Depression
Dissociative disorders
Eating disorders
Grief and loss
Pain
Performance anxiety
PTSD and other trauma and stress-related issues
Sexual assault
Sleep disturbance
Violence and abuse
And more...
(EMDRIA, 2020)
CAN EMDR THERAPY BE DONE WITHOUT A TRAINED EMDR THERAPIST?
EMDR therapy is a mental health intervention. It should only be offered by licensed mental health clinicians trained by an EMDRIA-approved training program. It is never recommended to try this intervention without a licensed mental health professional properly trained in EMDR therapy.
(EMDRIA, 2020)
I am a Certified EMDR Therapist, which means I have advanced and ongoing training in EMDR.
References
About EMDR Therapy. (2020, July 15). Retrieved from https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/
EMDRIA is a membership organization of mental health professionals dedicated to the highest standards of excellence and integrity in EMDR.
Shapiro, F. (2017). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Third Edition: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. Guilford Publications.
EMDR therapy was created by Francine Shapiro.
Visit EMDRIA's website to view this information and to learn even more.