Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, (EMDR) is a powerful psychotherapy approach that has helped over an estimated two million people of all ages relieve many types of psychological distress. Approximately 20 controlled studies have investigated the effects of EMDR. These studies have consistently found that this approach effectively decreases/eliminates the symptoms of post-traumatic stress for the majority of clients. Clients often report improvement in other associated symptoms such as anxiety.
The current treatment guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies designate EMDR as an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress. The treatment was also found effective by the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense. Also, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), cites EMDR as evidence based practice for the treatment of PTSD, anxiety and depression symptoms. Research has also shown that EMDR can be an efficient and rapid treatment”. (Cited information taken from EMDR International Association website.)
Research is clear that EMDR not only helps significant trauma such as accidents or catastrophe’s but also negative experiences in childhood. EMDR will assist with the negative images and experiences from childhood that get locked in the brain the same way a major trauma does. Yet no amount of just talking about the past, or just forcing yourself to get over it will allow a shift to take place. The storing of trauma and the negative experiences is just as much a physical problem as it is an emotional one. EMDR combines cognitions (negative core beliefs you store. Ex. I am not good enough, I am powerless, I should have done something) with the image of the event and the sensations you feel in your body. I have posted videos below that will go over further information about EMDR, an example session, an interview with Francine Shapiro, PhD-the founder and Bessel van der Kolk, MD-a trauma specialist.
I have taken EMDR training parts 1&2, attend consultation and various trainings to continue to learn and grow in this field. I use EMDR as a significant part of my practice and have found that this therapy technique is efficient and creates change at times more quickly than the standard “talk therapy.” I have successfully worked with clients that present with PTSD, anxiety, depression, infidelity trauma, performance anxiety, and trauma in adults that experienced neglect, various forms of abuse as children in their family of origins and other trauma experiences. Please contact me for a free 15 MINUTE PHONE CONSULTATION to determine if this could be a good match for you.
Informational videos, to learn more about this type of therapy, can be found at the bottom of this page. Please contact me for a free 15 minute phone consultation. I look forward to speaking with you.