EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing
What is EMDR?
EMDR therapy is a phased, focused approach to treating trauma and other symptoms by reconnecting the traumatized person in a safe and measured way to the images, self-thoughts, emotions, and body sensations associated with the trauma. As a result, allowing the natural healing powers of the brain to move toward adaptive healing.
It is based on the idea that symptoms occur when trauma and other negative or challenging experiences overwhelm the brain’s natural ability to heal. The healing process can be facilitated and completed through bilateral stimulation (BLS) while the client is re-experiencing the trauma in the context of the safe environment of the therapist’s office (dual awareness).
It is based on the idea that symptoms occur when trauma and other negative or challenging experiences overwhelm the brain’s natural ability to heal. The healing process can be facilitated and completed through bilateral stimulation (BLS) while the client is re-experiencing the trauma in the context of the safe environment of the therapist’s office (dual awareness).
Frequently Asked Questions
- How Does EMDR Work?
Through EMDR, individuals safely reprocess traumatic information until it is no longer psychologically disruptive to their lives. Over time, exposure to traumatic memories will no longer induce negative feelings and distressing symptoms
EMDR has eight phases of treatment:
1. History taking
2. Client preparation
3. Assessment
4. Desensitization
5. Installation
6. Body scan
7. Closure
8. Re-evaluation of treatment effect
During EMDR, the person being treated focuses on a disruptive memory and identifies the belief they hold about themselves. If it is connected to a negative memory the technique teaches the person to change their view of themselves by learning to associate it with a positive belief instead.
For example, it is common for victims of abuse to feel they “deserved” the abuse. EMDR helps the person to see that as self-destructive thinking. So “I deserved it” becomes “I am deserving of good things.” You will make new connections about old patterns and behaviors which will result in new behaviors that are more adaptive to your present situation.
For example, it is common for victims of abuse to feel they “deserved” the abuse. EMDR helps the person to see that as self-destructive thinking. So “I deserved it” becomes “I am deserving of good things.” You will make new connections about old patterns and behaviors which will result in new behaviors that are more adaptive to your present situation.
- Can a specific event be treated with EMDR?
Some people experience trauma symptoms after a specific event, for example, a car accident. A person with single-incident trauma might experience:
. Inability to feel safe getting in a car again
. Emotional overwhelm going past a particular intersection
. Terror hearing the same song that was playing when the crash happened
. Re-triggered fears from related sights or smells (like the smell of gasoline)
. Sleeping issues: sleeping too much, not sleeping enough; night terrors
. Flashbacks or difficulty concentrating during the day
. Fears or anxiety triggered by related people, places, things or situations
. Depression or sadness
Trauma affects all our senses. The sight, sounds, smells, or sensations on the skin can create deep memories of a situation when the trauma occurred and can also trigger the emotions felt at the time. Living with these symptoms and coping behaviors may seem unavoidable. But people do find relief when the cause of the stress – the unresolved trauma – is resolved. EMDR helps the brain make new connections in the nervous system to process the trauma fully.
- How long does each EMDR session last?
Sessions are done in either 60 or 90 min intervals.
- How long is the overall treatment with EMDR?
It is important to note that EMDR is always done in the context of an overall therapy plan. The EMDR time portion itself varies for each individual. Starting off with at least 3 sessions of EMDR will give you some idea of its effectiveness for you and the rate at which you are healing. From there it is dependent upon your individual needs and situation..
Our Services
Individual Therapy
During this time together we explore barriers to you achieving your optimal quality of life; fears, anxieties, relationships, and traumas.
Session rate: $180 / 60 mins
Couples Therapy
During this time together we explore barriers to the whole system, and determine steps to make the system work smoother.
Session rate: $225 / 60 mins
Consultation
Take advantage of our no-cost 15- 20 minutes consultation session and lets achieving your optimal quality of life; share your thoughts.
Complimentary
Workshops
Embracing Empathy & Validation: Coping with a spouse who has a Mental Illness: 90 mins
*Workshops are not therapy nor are they a replacement for therapy*
These classes are to assist coping with a loved one and family members who are working to cope with someone in their lives who has a mental illness. You will be given the tools needs to less the frustration and increase your understanding of mental illness. We will work to decrease the frustration, fear, and increasing awareness and understanding. These classes are of a small intimate setting with a total of 8 people.
Preventing Parent Burn Out: Coping with a child who has mental illness: 90 mins
*Workshops are not therapy nor are they a replacement for therapy*
Are you struggling as a parent living with a child who has mental illness? Do you find yourself becoming overwhelmed? Do you feel like you are losing who you are? Parental Burn out is real. Often, we find ourselves working so hard to be the best parent, that we lose a sense of who we are. The only way you can be the best parent is by taking care of yourself. We will work on helping you take off your Superwoman/Superman cape to learn how to cope with having a child who has a mental illness.
Hi, I’m Denise Brady
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
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