EMDR
EYE-MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION & REPROCESSING
It is widely assumed that severe emotional pain requires a long time to heal. EMDR therapy shows that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma. When you cut your hand, your body works to close the wound. If a foreign object or repeated injury irritates the wound, it prevents it from fully healing and causes pain. Once the block is removed, healing resumes. Similarly, the mind will naturally move toward mental health. If the system is blocked or imbalanced by the impact of a disturbing event, the emotional wound persists and can cause intense suffering. Past events become present and individuals may experience flashbacks, disturbing thoughts, and disrupted sleep and/or avoid thinking or talking about past events. Using the detailed protocols and procedures learned in EMDR, therapists help clients activate their brain’s natural healing processes. (Source: www.emdr.com)
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WHAT DOES EMDR TREAT?
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EMDR is has been proven to successfully treat several problems, including (but not limited to) the following:
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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Past and Recent Trauma
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Attachment Injuries
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Panic Attacks
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Generalized Anxiety
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Phobias
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Addiction
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Eating Disorders
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Traumatic Grief/Loss
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Low Self-Esteem
WHAT CAN I EXPECT WITH EMDR THERAPY?
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EMDR therapy is effective but challenging and isn’t the right fit for everyone. However, clients who find it beneficial often notice a powerful shift in how they think and feel about past experiences. Many describe feeling “lighter” and “more clear” after sessions and often wish they’d started sooner.
Because EMDR involves deep emotional processing, it’s normal to feel tired afterward. Taking time to rest and recharge with activities like yoga, nature walks, or drinking lemon water can help you unwind.
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Whether you have a clear idea of the events you want to address-such as a car accident or a traumatic relationship—or feel unsure about what’s contributing to your current struggles, EMDR can help. We’ll guide you through a preparation phase to safely identify memories linked to present challenges.
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Before diving into past issues, we’ll work together to build coping skills and calming techniques for a smooth, supportive experience. We’ll create a personalized treatment plan to address key memories and future concerns. At the start of each session, we’ll check in and help you decide which memory or issue to focus on, providing guidance, encouragement, and support throughout the entire process.
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YOUR FIRST EMDR SESSION
In your first EMDR session, you can expect a thorough and compassionate laying of groundwork. Your therapist will explore your history and current state to find out if you’re ready for EMDR. Then, they’ll make sure you’re comfortable and informed about the process. You’ll learn about the eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation and how they play a role in therapy, and your therapist will explain what to expect and how to handle any emotions that might come up during the sessions.
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DURING THE SESSIONS
EMDR sessions combine structured techniques with personal exploration. As you focus on a specific traumatic memory or issue, your therapist will guide you through bilateral stimulation. This procedure might make you feel a wide range of physical sensations, from relief to discomfort, as your mind works to reprocess and desensitize the distressing memories. It’s normal to feel a mix of tiredness and relief afterward – there’s some intense mental and emotional work being done! Your therapist will be with you the whole time, though, making sure you feel supported and safe.
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AFTER EMDR THERAPY
Your mind will continue to work through the experience after EMDR therapy is over. During the days and weeks after therapy, you’ll probably go through a spectrum of emotions. Many people report feeling less emotionally burdened by past traumas, leaving them feeling more liberated and balanced. The longer-term benefits of EMDR can include better relationships, increased self-esteem, and a happier outlook on life.