What is EMDR?

An EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) approach considers past experiences that are being activated by present or anticipated experiences. I use EMDR to help them become unstuck to move forward in their healing process.

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Is EMDR a brief treatment?

  • The length of time that it takes is dependent upon the client’s complexity.

  • Frequently EMDR therapy is only one of several treatment interventions used to accomplish the client’s treatment goals.

 

What does EMDR look like in treatment?

EMDR therapy, as with all treatment approaches, will help clients accomplish their treatment goals.

1. Treatment Planning

This is when you discuss the concerns in your life, what areas you want to improve, and how you see yourself moving forward. We then explore how the presenting concerns, feelings, physical reactions, and any negative beliefs that you experience. Together we will explore a belief you would prefer to have about those experiences, one that fits your needs. In EMDR this is called an adaptive resolution.

2. EMDR Procedures

  • You will be asked a set of questions that are intended to access and activate the negative experience and the desired adaptive resolution. 

  • Sets of rapid eye movement (or other forms of bilateral stimulation) will be implemented.

  • You are encouraged to just free-associate or daydream and allow the brain to work through the experience.

  • Bilateral stimulation will be used for short periods of time, followed by you stating what you experienced during the stimulation.

  • This process will continue until the past experience is less distressing and the adaptive process is yours.

  • The length of the process is dependent on you, the issue, and the complexity of the issue. Like you, each experience is unique.

3. Integration

Once the distressing experiences have been processed, together we will discuss how to incorporate the new adaptations and insights you have gained through EMDR into your daily life.

What does EMDR treat?

  • Anxiety

  • Low self-esteem

  • Panic Attacks

  • Phobias

  • Sleep Problems

  • Traumatic Memories

  • Trust Issues

  • Grief & Loss

  • Depression

  • Performance Anxiety 

  • Anger

  • & More!

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Adults

I have used EMDR to treat adults going through breakups and divorce to help them sort out their fears and feel more at peace with their decision. It also works to help those who are having trouble sleeping or have severe anxiety.

I have found it to be most successful when clients come on a regular once or twice a week basis. 

For more about EMDR therapy, click here, to view the organization where I received my training.