Healing through EDMR
Take Back Your Life
You've experienced a traumatic event or maybe even a lifetime of traumatic events. Your self-esteem has taken a huge hit and you want to find a more peaceful and confident version of yourself. The memories sometimes creep in, even when you don't want them to. Perhaps these memories even creep into your dreams at night, your daydreams during the day, or even your sense of self-worth.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach that targets just this. Distressing life experiences often store improperly in the memory, which are called unprocessed or blocked memories. EMDR is a way to re-process these memories in a healthier way.
What Does EMDR Help With?
- PTSD and Trauma
- Low Self Esteem
- Panic Attacks
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Phobias
- Obsessions and Compulsions
- Eating Disorders
What does an EMDR Session Look Like?
During your first session you and your therapist will get to know you and discuss the symptoms you have been having. You and your therapist will determine if EMDR is the appropriate therapeutic technique for you.
If EMDR is a good fit for you, during your follow-on sessions you will focus on one event. During this time you will focus on the negative image, belief, and body sensations related to this specific event. You will associate a positive belief that would indicate a resolution. During this time, your therapist will guide you through sets of side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps, prompting you to notice what comes to mind. You may experience slight or significant changes in mood, emotions, visions and thoughts. You have the ability to stop at any time if needed. You are always in control. These eye movements, sounds, or taps are repeated until the event becomes less disturbing to you.
What can I expect after an EMDR Session?
Everyone experiences EMDR session differently. Some people identify they do not see any changes following their EMDR sessions and others identify an increase in thoughts, dreams, and/or visions of the traumatic event being worked on in sessions.
Many people identify they feel extremely drained emotionally following sessions. Regardless of how you feel, your therapist will ask that you journal these thoughts and feelings and bring them to your next session to discuss and process.
What Ages Does EMDR Work For?
Standard EMDR protocol is for teens and adults, however this can be implemented into play therapy for kids as young as 3 years of age.
Ready to learn more about our process & services?
If you're ready to learn more about our process and services, we encourage you to contact us and we can discuss the next step.