EMDR
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured approach to the treatment of trauma. It is one of the most well-researched and effective treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In EMDR, the therapist helps you to identify past memories that are related to the current issues you’re experiencing.
Almost any issue that results from memories that still affect you can be treated with EMDR. Some of the issues EMDR can help with include:
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- OCD
- Traumatic grief & loss
- Addiction
- Attachment wounds from childhood trauma
I help you briefly focus on the traumatic memory during bilateral stimulation (eye movements or tapping) to help you reprocess memories that are keeping you stuck. EMDR results in memories becoming less vivid and charged with emotion. It also helps you update your system from negative beliefs about yourself to ones that are more realistic based on your current circumstances.
I aim to help you go beyond a decrease in symptoms. Goals of reprocessing traumatic memories include increased self-esteem, a more realistic sense of what you can control, and feeling safer in relationships.
Advanced EMDR training
When recovering with trauma, you want to look for an EMDR specialist who has done way more than basic training. I’m a Certified EMDR Therapist who has been practicing EMDR for many years. I participate in regular consultation to help me offer the best possible care. Topics of advanced trainings I’ve done include:
- Complex trauma from childhood
- Attachment wounds
- Suicidal ideation & hostile voices
- Sexual trauma
- Addiction
- Dissociation
- Recent traumatic events
How I use EMDR
I was re-energized in my therapy practice when I began practicing EMDR. Before, I saw that some people eventually hit a plateau with talk therapy. It helped to a certain point but didn’t help resolve the disconnect between intellectually knowing about your issues (head) and how you felt at core (heart).
For example, you may be aware of your triggers and behaviors you don’t like. But you just can’t seem to let go of the behaviors because of deep-rooted feelings from the past that get in the way.
I discuss with you early in therapy if I think you can benefit from EMDR. Together we decide whether and how to proceed.
Some people can move into reprocessing early in therapy. EMDR can be a quicker way to healing because it’s focused on the root of problems, rather than all the ways issues show up in daily life.
For people with complex trauma from chronic situations in childhood, EMDR takes more time. It’s essential to build trust and develop resources for managing emotions before starting EMDR.
I am engaged in advanced training in relational EMDR through the Center for Excellence in EMDR Therapy. The relational focus of EMDR gives attention to your attachment styles as adaptations to traumatic experiences. We set the conditions in therapy for you to have a new attachment experience in EMDR so you can heal from old wounds.
Ready to begin trauma recovery?
Book your free 10-minute consultation.