What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from different treatment approaches.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
EMDR therapy is an integrative psychotherapy and uses a technique called bilateral stimulation to repeatedly activate opposite sides of the brain. EMDR therapists use eye movements to facilitate the bilateral stimulation. These eye movements mimic the period of sleep referred to as rapid eye movement or REM sleep. This portion of sleep is frequently considered to be the time when the mind processes and stores events.
EMDR therapy seems to help the brain reprocess the trapped traumatic memories in such a way that normal information processing is resumed. Therapists often use EMDR to help clients reprocess beliefs that developed as the result of relational traumas or childhood abuse and/or neglect. For a more detailed explanation, please visit EMDR Institute, Inc.
What is S.A.F.E. EMDR Therapy?
The modality that I am trained in is called S.A.F.E EMDR therapy (Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR). This approach was developed by Deborah Kennard. S.A.F.E. EMDR therapy is just like Shapiro’s technique but integrates principles from somatic and attachment theories. Somatic psychotherapy is a holistic approach that incorporates the mind, body, spirit, and emotion into the healing process. Attachment theory is based on the idea that our relationships early in life influence development and affect the way we behave, feel, and think in the present. S.A.F.E. EMDR therapy stresses the importance of nonviolence, meaning it is the clinicians highest priority to do no harm to the client. This is extremely important, as I have heard too many stories of people having awful experiences with EMDR and left feeling worse after treatment than when they started. When working with my clients, I do not begin reprocessing at the first counseling session. I take the time to build trust, complete an assessment, explain the process, and answer any questions.
For more information about S.A.F.E. EMDR therapy please visit: https://emdr-training.net/about-us/why-we-are-different/
What Does EMDR Therapy Help?
EMDR therapy was originally developed to treat PTSD, but has proven to be useful in treating the following conditions:
- Panic Attacks
- Complicated Grief
- Chronic Pain
- Disturbing Memories
- Phobias
- Pain Disorders
- Performance Anxiety
- Addictions
- Substance abuse
None of the above mental health symptoms or experiences fit you?
You may still be a good candidate for EMDR therapy. Do you experience overwhelming emotions that seem excessive given the current situation? Do you tend to be highly reactive to certain triggers? Is there a dysfunctional belief that you have about yourself that you can’t seem to let go of even though your logical mind knows it’s not true?
If so, you may benefit from EMDR therapy. Contact me to see if EMDR can help you.
(828) 290-7632 | pdcounselingnc@gmail.com