What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy. It is a form of therapy that is focused on helping people to heal from past experiences that are traumatic or distressing. It is a modality of therapy that can be used to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addiction, and many others.
EMDR includes bilateral stimulation. This can occur by way of back-and-forth eye movements (visual), taps (tactile), or sounds (auditory). The purpose of bilateral stimulation is multifaceted. It is believed that the bilateral stimulation assists communication to occur between different parts of the brain that do not communicate effectively during traditional talk therapy.
EMDR consists of 8 phases. Most people think of EMDR as when you begin to utilize bilateral stimulation while looking at the traumatic event, however EMDR really starts on day one of your therapy. Gathering a thorough history, building rapport and comfort for you as the client, and preparing for reprocessing are essential elements before we open up a traumatic or distressing memory.
EMDR includes bilateral stimulation. This can occur by way of back-and-forth eye movements (visual), taps (tactile), or sounds (auditory). The purpose of bilateral stimulation is multifaceted. It is believed that the bilateral stimulation assists communication to occur between different parts of the brain that do not communicate effectively during traditional talk therapy.
EMDR consists of 8 phases. Most people think of EMDR as when you begin to utilize bilateral stimulation while looking at the traumatic event, however EMDR really starts on day one of your therapy. Gathering a thorough history, building rapport and comfort for you as the client, and preparing for reprocessing are essential elements before we open up a traumatic or distressing memory.
Is EMDR exposure therapy?
No. During EMDR, you will be looking at your past as if it were a movie on a screen. We will take precautions to ensure that you are not reliving the event, as that is not required in order for you to heal and move forward.
Do I have to decide on whether I want to do EMDR when I first start therapy?
No, you can decide at any point in time during your therapy if and when you feel ready to engage in EMDR work. You can work in conjunction with your therapist to decide when is the best time for you. EMDR can be worked into your therapy if you are working with an EMDR trained therapist, or it can be done as an add-on to your therapy with a different therapist.
What can EMDR help with?
EMDR can be helpful for treatment of anxiety, panic attacks, chronic illness and pain, depression, bipolar disorder, grief/loss, eating disorders, performance anxiety, addiction, trauma, sleep disturbance, and recovering from abuse or assault.