EMDR
What is EMDR?
According to EMDRIA (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing International Association), “EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to focus briefly on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation, which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories.”
When we experience events that make us feel stuck/trapped, and flooded with fear and overwhelm, our body’s stress response kicks in. The brain utilizes fight, flight, freeze, and fawn states as a means of self-protection. Often when remembering or experiencing similar experiences to those traumatic events, this stress response is triggered time and time again.
During EMDR, the use of bilateral stimulation allows for the brain to reprocess traumatic experiences in a way that reduces this heightened stress response. This often allows clients to feel a decrease in distress, a restructuring of negative beliefs, and arousal states to reduce. EMDR has been used in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, stress, phobias, and other concerns that include feelings of dysregulation.
Please watch the following videos to understand more about the 8 Stage process and benefits of EMDR:
What modalities of Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) are available?
There are several modalities that are available to use. We can utilize eye movement, tactile, and audio based BLS. For tactile, both physical tapping and EMDR therapy tappers are options.
What does EMDR help?
EMDR had been originally established as helpful for PTSD, although it’s been proven useful for treatment in the following conditions:
- Panic Attacks
- Complicated Grief
- Dissociative Orders
- Disturbing Memories
- Phobias
- Pain Disorders
- Performance Anxiety
- Addictions
- Stress Reduction
- Sexual and/or Physical Abuse
- Body Dysmorphic Disorders
- Personality Disorders
None of the above symptoms or experiences fit you?
Do you experience distressing emotions that appear to you, and perhaps to others, to be excessive given the current situation? Do you tend to be highly reactive to certain triggers? Is there one or more dysfunctional beliefs that you believe about yourself that on an intellectual level you know is not true?
If so, you may still be a good candidate for EMDR therapy. Contact me today for a free phone consultation to see if EMDR might help you release what no longer serves you.