How can EMDR Help?

How Therapy Can Help

What is EMDR Trauma Therapy and How Can it Help?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a proven, evidence-based therapeutic technique that helps individuals heal from trauma and symptoms of PTSD.

During EMDR, clients are guided to briefly focus on a traumatic memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, often through eye movements. This process helps lessen the emotional intensity and vividness of the traumatic memory.

Ongoing research continues to demonstrate the positive impact of EMDR, showing its effectiveness in treating a range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other challenging life experiences. (n.d.).EMDRIA. Retrieved June 2022, from https://www.emdria.org

Reach out to us here to schedule or to learn more about how we can help.

Who Does EMDR Trauma Therapy Treat?

EMDR Trauma Therapy helps children and adults of all ages.

Does EMDR Work?

In the late 1980s, Dr. Francine Shapiro made a groundbreaking discovery linking eye movements to the reduction of distressing memories. This insight sparked her lifelong dedication to studying and developing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.

What began as a personal observation gradually evolved into a structured therapeutic approach, despite early skepticism. Over time, Dr. Shapiro’s work gained recognition, and EMDR therapy has been proven effective for trauma treatment through extensive clinical trials, case studies, and millions of hours of therapy worldwide. Today, organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense, the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and the World Health Organization (WHO) all acknowledge EMDR’s effectiveness in treating trauma and trauma-related disorders. (n.d.).EMDRIA. Retrieved June 2022, from https://www.emdria.org

What is an EMDR Session like?

In the initial sessions, the focus will be on identifying the client’s goals and enhancing their ability to manage distressing emotions.

As the client progresses to the next stages of EMDR therapy, they will be asked to concentrate on a particular traumatic event. The therapist will help the client explore the negative image, belief, emotion, and physical sensations tied to this memory, then shift focus to a positive belief that signifies the resolution of the issue.

While the client revisits the troubling event, the therapist will guide them through sets of side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps. After each set, the client will be encouraged to notice any thoughts or shifts in feelings, insights, or beliefs that arise.

The client can stop the process at any time, and the sets of movements, sounds, or taps will continue until the event becomes less distressing.

EMDR can be integrated into traditional talk therapy, used in conjunction with other therapeutic approaches, or conducted as a standalone treatment. (n.d.).EMDRIA. Retrieved June 2022, from https://www.emdria.org