What is EMDR Therapy?
According to EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), "EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to focus briefly on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories. "
1
Past
By working on the past memories, especially the earliest memory and the worst memory, you are addressing the root of the symptoms and supporting the natural processing of memory circuits.
2
Present
In a relatively shorter amount of time, the symptoms in the present day are relieved, no longer distressing, or not present anymore. The past is now in the past. You will be living in the present.
3
Future
EMDR Therapy has lasting results even in the face of challenges and in future scenarios that have not yet happened. You will be ready to face, address, and handle the potential distress.
Resourcing
Experience the relief of stress through the imagery and somatic work together in the session and learn to practice and manage the overwhelming symptoms in-between the sessions
Desensitization
Reduce the level of distress associated with the memories, including images, emotions, and body sensations
Self Care
Plan to take care of yourself after each session, whether you need extra sleep, hydration, walking in nature, deep breathing, and social support
EMDR Therapy is effective in treating:
Chronic or multiple layers of trauma are at play, mostly starting at an early age in childhood, that may lead to impairments in attachment, self-destructive behaviors, difficulties with trust, a distorted sense of identity, hindered emotional regulation, and dissociation.
Grief and Loss
Deeply personal experiences of losing someone or something of significant importance can require a grieving process to express, adjust, understand, accept, heal, and find meaning in life.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD can be developed by experiencing or witnessing a significant negative life event such as accidents, natural disasters, physical injuries, medical diagnosis and its treatment procedures at any given time in the course of one's life.
Early Childhood Trauma
The first few years of one's life are a critical period of learning attachment, safety, regulation, connection, etc. Even in our adult life, without even an awareness, we may be impacted by the disruption we experienced that continue to perpetuate in our present-day relationships.
Obsessive and Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD can develop into a chronic condition. It includes both recurrent, intrusive, and distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to alleviate anxiety or prevent a feared outcome.
Sexual Trauma
Multitude layers of harm, including physical, emotional, and psychological pain, are experienced that may lead to fear, shame, guilt, self-blame, self-hatred, avoidance, disconnection from the body, and grief. Individuals are at risk of self-harm and heavy substance use for coping on their own.
Emotional Trauma
Profound psychological and emotional distress are experienced as a result of a deep disturbing or overwhelming event or series of events. This may come from emotionally painful relationships and dynamics in the family, intimate relationships, and even a broader group or community.
Phobias
(Specific Fear and Anxiety)
Phobias are anxiety disorders characterized by an excessive and irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. People experience significant distress and may have avoidant behaviors, which can greatly interfere with their daily life and functioning.
Performance Anxiety
Most people with performance anxiety would describe having high anxiety presenting a powerpoint at a meeting, speaking in front of a group of coworkers, etc.