What is EMDR?
An EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) approach considers past experiences that are being activated by present or anticipated experiences. We use EMDR as a trauma informed therapy to help them become unstuck to move forward in their healing process. EMDR does not erase memories however, it reorganizes the memories so that they are no longer distressing to you.
An example of EMDR is if you have a distressing incident and you hold a negative belief that you are not good enough when you think about that event. As you process EMDR you will choose a more adaptive belief that releases you from the distress and see yourself in a different light. During the processing the goal is to change the negative belief, I am not good enough, to the more adaptive belief, I am good enough. Together we will reorganize how the body and brain holds that event.
What does EMDR look like in treatment?
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
The length of the process is dependent on you, the issue, and the complexity of the issue. Like you, each experience is unique.
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.
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
- Trauma
- Trust Issues
- Grief & Loss
- Depression
- Performance Anxiety
- Anger
- & More!
