Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a safe, effective way to reduce emotional distress from traumatic experiences. It helps people clear their thoughts and emotions, restoring natural calm and well-being. Furthermore, EMDR creates new neuropathways which bring healing – as well as hope – to those affected by trauma.
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that has provided relief to millions of people with PTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias and other psychological issues. Its unique reprocessing approach to trauma helps you break free of limiting beliefs and patterns that keep you stuck in the past.
Traumatic events can cause the mind to store memories in uncontrollable, distorted forms that feel overwhelming. EMDR works to address this by accessing those memories through guided eye movements in a safe environment with supportive people, reprocessing the traumatized material so you can heal from its psychological wounds while receiving help from an experienced therapist.
The basic idea behind EMDR is that when you are suffering a negative experience, your brain goes into alert mode and requires intense processing to process it. This is an entirely normal part of human development; however, when there are disruptions to this natural ability to process information, it can cause intense physical pain.
Flashbacks of trauma experienced in the present can often be relived in flashback when exposed to an environment or situation that triggers that memory. These relives can be disabling and make you feel like you’re constantly reliving the event that caused it.
Reliving flashbacks can be an intensely personal experience, often leading to different perspectives and feelings than when they occurred. With EMDR, however, your brain will access memory more consciously and process it more productively; providing you with a safer space to process memories in a healthy and productive way.
During a session, you will follow a specialized light device on either side of your body with your eyes as it stimulates both sides. Your healthcare provider may also tap hands, thighs or arms with their fingers to activate touch on both sides of the body.
Your sessions will last around 60 minutes. Your therapist will guide you through the process and give you tools that you can use between sessions to manage feelings and stay on track with healing goals.
Your therapist may contact you by phone or email to determine if you’re ready for EMDR sessions and ask any questions before beginning the therapy. In order to start, provide them with some information about yourself including any upsetting events or memories that need attention during the session and any desired outcomes.
Are you curious to learn more about EMDR therapy or not sure if it’s right for you? Book an appointment with one of our highly-trained therapists today!
