Are you feeling stuck?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence based method different than talk therapy, and can pave the way for a fulfilling present.
EMDR is a therapy technique that helps people heal from the symptoms and emotional hurt that can come from distressing experiences. Many studies with EMDR have shown that our minds can heal from psychological trauma in the same way our bodies recover from physical trauma. If your arm gets cut, your body works to close heal wound. If a foreign object or repeated injury irritates the wound, it slows down the healing and causes pain. Once the block is removed, healing resumes. EMDR therapy works in a similar way with our minds; the brain’s information processing system naturally moves toward mental health.
When trauma prevents our brain from healing, the emotional wound lingers and can cause continued pain. An EMDR trained therapist uses specific protocols to help their client activate their mind’s natural healing process. With its worldwide recognition as a powerful treatment of trauma, EMDR is also effective in treating memories linked to low self-esteem, feelings of powerlessness, and other problems related to negative views of oneself.
Is EMDR right for me? It can help with…
Distressing memories (car crashes, accidents, physical or sexual assault, etc)
Phobias (fear of flying, etc.)
Panic attacks
Stress reduction
Physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse
Substance use
Complicated grief
Neglect
Afraid of being hurt, this client avoided opening up to others and sharing things that were vulnerable. This lead to feeling disconnected in relationships, while still longing for deeper relationships.
FROM THERE…
Struggling with an intense phobia that would trigger vomiting, this client experienced intense anxiety and avoided going out in the city for fear of encountering the phobia. This led to social withdrawal and increased anxiety.
FROM THERE…
Experiencing difficulty with sleep and daily life because of nightmares and flashbacks from events in the past, this client battled depression and struggled to have enough energy to get through the day. It felt impossible to move on from the past.
FROM THERE…
Through addressing wounds from the past, EMDR helped this client heal and feel comfortable creating authentic connection with friends. This client was able to accept their story, and experience more connection to self and others.
Using EMDR to address the phobia, the fear of going out in public began to decrease, and eventually go away altogether. The client experienced a sense of freedom and confidence, knowing that if the phobia was encountered, it wouldn’t trigger anxiety anymore.
…TO HERE
EMDR was used to address this client’s symptoms, and after doing this work the nightmares and flashbacks vanished. This client was able to sleep through the night on a regular basis, and even had enough energy to begin dating and have a committed relationship.