EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
“The dark does not destroy the light; it defines it. It's our fear of the dark that casts our joy into the shadows.” ― Brené Brown.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is an effective psychotherapy that helps people reduce their traumatic memories and / or anxiety levels. EMDR was developed by Francine Shapiro in 1989. Since then, EMDR has been recommended as an effective treatment for trauma in the Practice Guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association, the Department of Veterans Affairs, SAMHSA, the International Society or Traumatic Stress Studies and the World Health Organization.
Why Do I Use EMDR Therapy?
I have seen the positive life changing effects that EMDR has on people who suffer from trauma, anxiety, grief and loss and other distressing events. The benefits of this type of therapy are tremendous, helping people process their negative experiences so that they are in control. By guiding people in a safe and nurturing environment, we can tap into tap into strengths and help to restore a sense of balance, security and self-worth.
How does EMDR work?
When a traumatic or distressing experience occurs, we rarely have a way of processing the event in a "normal" way, so the memory is stored separate from our other experiences. Since we usually have no frame of reference for the upsetting experience, the memory can disrupt our normal flow, leading us to re-live or re-experience the event, often in the form of a "flashback." Responses to trauma are encoded in the brain and often cannot be changed by just talking and gaining insight and understanding about them.
EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs naturally during dreaming or REM (rapid eye
movement) sleep. Therefore, the core of EMDR can be thought of as an integrative physiological and psychological based therapy that helps a person see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way.
EMDR allows a person to access their memories without being overwhelmed by them. It allows people to integrate their traumatic experiences in safe way that keeps the event belonging to the past.
What is EMDR Therapy used for?
Reducing the long-lasting effects of distressing memories and improving one's current functioning and well being is the goal of EMDR. By engaging our own information processing mechanisms and managing the intense thoughts, feelings and sensations in a safe and nurturing way, present symptoms are reduced and often fully relieved.
What can EMDR help with?
EMDR was originally developed to treat adults with PTSD; however, it is also used to treat other conditions such as anxiety, grief and loss, addiction and depression in all ages.
What can I expect?
People who have engaged in EMDR Therapy report a reduction in symptoms such as distress from the disturbing memory, improved sense of self, restful sleep, and a decrease in the impact of present and future anticipated stressors and triggers.
