Now is the time to consider EMDR as an innovative method for bringing healing to those who are seeking relief from past traumatic experiences
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) offers a unique and innovative method for processing and resolving traumatic experiences. It has gained recognition for its effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a spectrum of other psychological issues including anxiety, depression, and other trauma-related disorders. At the core of EMDR is a distinctive technique involving alternating sweeping movements, each lasting no more than a minute. During these moments, individuals engage in the process of expressing spontaneously whatever emerges into their consciousness: images, sounds, words, movements, and physical sensations.
EMDR, as I practice it, typically initiates a cascade of internal cognitive and emotional responses. The process activates both hemispheres of the brain, facilitating the reprocessing of distressing memories and enabling the brain to integrate them more adaptively.
How does EMDR work?
This therapeutic journey can be metaphorically likened to the defragmentation of a hard disk within one’s emotional memory. In the defragmentation process, fragmented pieces of information are reorganized and reassembled to optimize the overall functioning of the system. Similarly, EMDR assists in the reorganization of memories, both conscious and unconscious, providing a method for individuals to process and make sense of their past experiences.
During an EMDR session, you will be invited to explore and articulate your thoughts and emotions freely. The EMDR stimulation serves as a catalyst, leading to the emergence of unexpected associations related to past events. These associations can include images, sensations, sounds, and thoughts, ranging from seemingly trivial to profoundly significant. The fluidity of this process allows for the spontaneous expression of the mind’s intricate web of connections.
One of the key strengths of EMDR is its ability to address memories of varying significance. Whether the memories are of seemingly minor importance or carry immense emotional weight, it is not uncommon for memories that were previously compartmentalized or emotionally charged to be revisited and reprocessed during EMDR, leading to a more integrated and adaptive understanding. The concept of reprocessing within EMDR involves the transformation of maladaptive or distressing memories into more adaptive forms. Simultaneously, EMDR facilitates the installation of positive beliefs and perspectives, promoting resilience and a sense of empowerment.
The duration and intensity of an EMDR session is carefully tailored to your needs and responses. I carefully work to ensure a balance between exploration and containment, enabling you to navigate the terrain of your memories while maintaining a sense of safety and control.
The reprocessing of memories in EMDR extends beyond the conscious mind, delving into the realm of the unconscious. By engaging with both levels of consciousness, EMDR aims to create a harmonious and coherent narrative of one’s life experiences.
A notable outcome of EMDR therapy is the profound sense of tranquility that participants often report. This tranquility is not achieved by discarding important memories but by reorganizing them in a way that aligns with the individual’s present understanding and resilience. It is a transformative process that fosters a more adaptive relationship with one’s past, diminishing the emotional burden associated with traumatic experiences.
What conditions can EMDR help?
Here are some instances in which EMDR therapy might be considered:
- Trauma and PTSD
- Phobias and Anxiety Disorders
- Panic Attacks
- Grief and Loss
- Performance Anxiety
- Addiction and Compulsive Behaviors
- Depression
- Dissociative Disorders
Who should seek EMDR?
Despite its success, EMDR may not be suitable for everyone or for every psychological condition. Proper training and expertise in EMDR are crucial for therapists like myself to effectively guide participants through this unique and powerful therapeutic process.
Consider EMDR if you want:
- Help moving past disturbing events,
- A decrease in symptoms of anxiety, depression,feelings of shame or guilt and emotional numbing,
- To break free from unwanted patterns in your life,
- To be rid of intrusive thoughts, pictures, or sensory memories of traumatic events or,
- Improve the quality of your life overall and your day-to-day living.
EMDR is effective even though it does not require you to talk extensively about your past. This can be a great time and money saver since it no longer requires months or years to find healing. Instead you may be able to move forward after days of EMDR treatments. This makes EMDR one of the most cost effective forms of therapeutic treatment available for trauma. With EMDR you can look forward to faster healing giving you more free time for what you want and improving your overall quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
At the start of your first EMDR session, we will discuss your overall history, what goals you would like to set for your treatment, and determine what you like to focus on during the session. Before beginning EMDR, you will also be instructed to develop a “safe space” internally that you can return to if needed during the session.
When you are ready, you will then be instructed to focus on the upsetting memory, idea, and feeling while your therapist begin guiding you through sets of repetitive eye movements, sounds, and/or taps.
After each set, you will be asked to note any changes in perception or emotional response toward the memory or thought.
During each EMDR session, you are always able to stop your therapist if you begin to feel distressed or emotionally overwhelmed.
EMDR therapy is appropriate for reducing anxiety and negative emotions related to most types of trauma, trauma-related disorders, and maladaptive beliefs.
EMDR is a good option for many individuals struggling with traumatic memories, PTSD, and intrusive thoughts, but it many not be an appropriate treatment method in every situation.
If you are interested in EMDR therapy, your therapist can help you build a robust treatment plan and determine if EMDR might be a good treatment option.
EMDR can be a cost effective treatment for overcoming trauma, as it can help you start feeling better with fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy.
Individual EMDR sessions are 60 minutes long at a rate of $140.
Intensive EMDR sessions are also available (pricing dependent on the length of session).