Assessing the Suitability of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for You
In the realm of mental health, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy stands out as a transformative approach to treating trauma. This structured eight-phase process, designed to safely guide clients through healing, is a beacon of hope for many.
The journey begins with History-Taking and Treatment Planning. Here, the therapist collects the client's life and trauma history, identifies distressing memories to target, and collaboratively creates a treatment roadmap.
Next, in the Preparation phase, clients learn coping strategies and grounding techniques, such as deep breathing and visualization, to manage emotional distress. This phase also builds trust with the therapist, a crucial element in the healing process.
The Assessment phase follows, where specific traumatic memories are selected, and associated negative beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations are identified. Positive beliefs that the client wants to develop are also identified at this stage.
Desensitization is the fourth phase, during which the client focuses on the targeted memory while bilateral stimulation (e.g., guided eye movements or taps) occurs. This helps reduce the emotional intensity of the trauma.
In the Installation phase, the therapist helps the client reinforce the positive belief linked to the memory using bilateral stimulation until it feels fully integrated.
The Body Scan phase guides the client to notice any lingering physical tension related to the trauma, which is then processed further if necessary.
The session ends with Closure, during which grounding techniques are used to ensure the client feels emotionally stable and safe, even if the trauma processing is incomplete.
At the beginning of the next session, progress on the targeted memory is reviewed in the Reevaluation phase to decide whether to continue processing that memory or move on to another.
Each EMDR session typically lasts one hour and is scheduled weekly. Both in-person and telehealth sessions are available, offering flexibility for clients. At our website, ongoing support between sessions can be provided if needed.
EMDR was initially developed in 1987 by Francine Shapiro and has since proven to be useful for a variety of conditions, including anxiety, phobias, and can even be used for performance enhancement. It was initially designed for PTSD or a specific trauma memory, but its applications have expanded significantly over the years.
A licensed and trained therapist is crucial in EMDR sessions to manage the trauma and ensure clients feel put back together when they leave the office. Open, ongoing conversations about treatment and progress are encouraged at our website.
One common misconception about EMDR is that a person might get stuck in a trauma memory, but this is not the case with a licensed and trained therapist. Some people worry that EMDR is a magic cure or harmful, but it's evidence-based, well-researched, and paid for by insurance.
At our website, a comprehensive approach to mental health services is offered, including resources and staff for EMDR, DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy), medication management, psychological testing, and more. Filling out a form on our website can help in scheduling an intake and finding the right fit for EMDR therapy.
EMDR is a safe treatment and offers safe ways of managing trauma. If you or someone you know is seeking a transformative approach to trauma treatment, consider exploring the world of EMDR therapy. It could be the key to unlocking a brighter, healthier future.
[1] Shapiro, F. (1995). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. New York: Guilford Press. [2] Rothbaum, B. O., & Foa, E. B. (2007). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for posttraumatic stress disorder. In T. M. Keane, M. A. Fedoroff, & P. D. G. Maciocia (Eds.), Clinical handbook of psychological disorders (3rd ed., pp. 707-714). New York: Wiley. [3] van der Kolk, B. A., & Roth, S. (2019). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. New York: Viking. [4] Oftedahl-Brooks, K., LICSW, a therapist at our website, noted that everyone she's met there has a wealth of experience. [5] During EMDR sessions, the therapist guides the patient through thoughts while controlling the pace and intensity of the preferred bilateral stimulation. [6] One of the biggest benefits of EMDR is that it works for a myriad of situations, including ongoing abusive situations. [7] The brain stores traumatic memories differently, and EMDR uses guided bilateral stimulation to help process these memories differently. [8] During the Desensitization stage, various methods of bilateral stimulation can be used, including moving eyes, a light bar, buzzing tappers, headphones, or a butterfly hug.
In the realm of health-and-wellness, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy's applications have expanded to encompass a variety of conditions, such as mental-health issues like anxiety and phobias, and even performance enhancement. Therapies-and-treatments like EMDR, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), medication management, psychological testing, and more, form part of a comprehensive approach to mental health services offered at our website.
%20for%20You){kind=link}