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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The truth is, EMDR therapy is work and it is not a right fit for every person. But for those that EMDR is a good fit for, it is well WORTH IT. Most of my clients tell us that they notice a dramatic positive shift in how they think and feel about specific experiences and that once they start EMDR that they feel "lighter" and "more clear" about things that they have been holding onto for a while. We often hear from clients that they "wish they would have done EMDR years ago".
Because your brain is doing a lot of work during EMDR, you may feel extra tired after an EMDR session. For this reason, I recommend that you take it easy after an EMDR session and do things to help physically "detox" from the emotional processing that is taking place such as yoga, drinking lemon water, or taking a walk in nature.
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You may already be aware of the past event(s) that you want to work on in EMDR therapy. For instance, it may be a car accident that you were in or perhaps it was an abusive relationship that you continue to experience nightmares or anxiety about. For others, the past event(s) that are feeding into current problems are not so obvious. EMDR can help you with both scenarios. We will help guide you through the EMDR preparation stage to safely identify which past experiences are connected to present problems. Before we work through the past issues, we will spend some time developing the resources and coping skills necessary to ensure that your EMDR treatment is optimal. This will include learning creative and effective techniques to bring calm and peace into your mind and body. We will develop a treatment plan that identifies which specific memories that are connected to current problems and then address any related future concerns you may have. At the start of each session, we will check in with you and will support you to decide which memory or issue you would like to work on first. We will guide, encourage and support you throughout each session.
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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.