EMDR
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful psychotherapy technique that was developed in 1989 by Francine Shapiro, PhD. The techniques utilized in EMDR have been extremely successful in helping individuals who suffer from trauma, anxiety, panic, disturbing memories, post-traumatic stress and many other emotional conditions.
Until recently, these conditions were difficult and time-consuming to treat. EMDR is considered a breakthrough therapy because of its simplicity and the fact that it can bring quick and lasting relief for most types of emotional distress.
EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation (right/left eye movements, tactile or auditory stimulation), which activates both sides of the brain, releasing emotional experiences that are “trapped” in the nervous system. When disturbing events occur in our lives, sometimes the information or experience(s) do not get processed appropriately. EMDR reprocesses those experiences and/or memories, helping to redistribute the information to areas of the brain that can hold the information more effectively. As troubling images and feelings are reprocessed, individuals are able to be freed from disturbing or bothersome symptoms.
What problems are helped by EMDR?
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Panic Attacks
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Complicated Grief
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Disturbing Memories
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Phobias
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Performance Anxiety
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Stress Reduction
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Sexual and/or Physical Abuse
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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
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Negative Belief Systems
EMDR as an adjunct therapy
In addition to offering a comprehensive therapy, I work in collaboration with the primary therapist to offer their clients EMDR sessions. Individuals that value the connection they have with a current therapist can benefit from the reprocessing of events, disturbing memories or maladaptive beliefs without interrupting their on-going therapy.