EMDR therapy
What is EMDR therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy designed to help the brain resolve traumatic memories using the brain’s own healing and memory storage process. It uses bilateral stimulation (back-and-forth eye movements or tapping on alternate sides of the body) to help the brain re-store and make new meaning out of upsetting, scary, or hurtful experiences. It is recommended by the American Psychological Association as a treatment for PTSD. EMDR may be particularly helpful if talk therapy hasn’t worked for you in the past, or if you’re feeling “stuck” in certain emotions or experiences. You can learn more about EMDR on the EMDR International Association website.
Can you only use
EMDR for PTSD?
No! While EMDR is most commonly known as a PTSD treatment, studies have found it is an effective technique with all of the following:
Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
Chronic Illness and medical issues
Depression
Bipolar disorders
Dissociative disorders
Eating disorders
Grief and loss
Pain
Performance anxiety
Personality disorders
Stress
Sleep disturbance
What is working with an EMDR trauma therapist like?
The key to EMDR is that we’ll work both on increasing experiences of safety and connection while decreasing the intensity of thoughts, images, emotions, and physical sensations associated with whatever you’re bringing to counseling. This means that we won’t start immediately with the most upsetting or triggering thing, but will work on building up positive resources and experiences first. Together, we’ll decide on a plan for treatment that focuses on helping your body access feelings of calm and safety. People are often surprised by how quickly EMDR can help alleviate intense symptoms of numbness, anxiety, panic, or fear.