emdr

emdr

eye Movement desensitization

and reprocessing

EMDR is a therapeutic approach that helps people heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. This conceptualization is largely based on the idea that our brains are naturally wired to process difficult events and heal themselves naturally—but when something overwhelming happens, that process can get stuck. When trauma is not fully processed, it can present as flashbacks, anxiety or panic, negative beliefs, triggers, dissociative patterns, and other trauma responses. EMDR promotes the “unsticking” or processing of these memories in order to store them appropriately and healthily, so you no longer experience them as though they are happening in the present.

EMDR has evidence-based research proving efficacy in decreasing the severity of and symptomology related to:

→PTSD and Trauma

→surviving Abuse or Assault

→Anxiety and Panic Disorders

→Phobias

→Depression and Eating Disorders

→Dissociative and Personality Disorders

bilateral
stimulation

Much of our innate healing mechanisms occur during sleep, particularly during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, engaging our brain in Bilateral Stimulation, or BLS. EMDR relies on the utilization of BLS in order to activate both hemispheres of your brain, after trauma typically severs the communication required between the two to process an event fully. BLS can include moving your eyes back and forth, listening to tones alternating in each ear, or tapping gently from side to side. This activation serves as a catalyst towards your brain and body’s capacity to process and heal effectively.

what does

emdr do?

The goal of EMDR is to aid clients to adaptively process dysfunctionally stored memories or events. A dysfunctionally stored memory or event still has some of the images, thoughts, emotions, and body sensations that occurred at the time of the event. An adaptively processed event means that adequate learning has taken place and the memory exists with appropriate emotions. These memories are successful in guiding the person in future thoughts, actions, and emotional responses. EMDR is Desensitization AND Reprocessing--to reduce symptoms of trauma through desensitization, simultaneously reprocessing the dysfunctionally stored memory resulting in the natural replacement of their current negative cognition with a healthy, realistic one.