EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a psychotherapy treatment that is effective for resolving emotional difficulties caused by disturbing, difficult, or frightening life experiences. When people are traumatized, have upsetting experiences or repeated failures, they lose a sense of control over their lives. This can result in symptoms of anxiety, depression, irritability, anger, guilt and/or behavioral problems. Events such as accidents, abuse, violence, death, and natural disasters are traumatic, but we do not always recognize the ways they affect and influence us.

When an upsetting, scary or painful experience happens, sometimes the memory of the experience stays “stuck” or “frozen” in the mind and body. The experience may return in a distressing and intrusive way. Most experts agree that the best way to get “unstuck” and become free from the symptoms is through exposure to the traumatic experience. This means the person will work through facing the memories or troubling events until they are no longer disturbing. EMDR therapy helps resolve troubling thoughts and feelings related to distressing memories. EMDR therapy affects the way the brain processes information, helping people heal from trauma and other unpleasant experiences. EMDR therapy is effective in treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, Sexual and/or Physical Abuse, and Grief. EMDR therapy can be used to treat children and adults.

One or more sessions are required for the therapist to understand the nature of the problem and to decide whether EMDR therapy is an appropriate treatment. Once the therapist and client have decided to move forward EMDR therapy may begin. EMDR therapy occurs during the regular 50-minute counseling session. The type of problem, life circumstances and the amount of previous trauma will determine how many treatment sessions are necessary. To learn more or to set up an appointment with a counselor who cares and will help, click below.