What is EMDR Therapy EMDR Therapy stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. This is an 8-phase integrative therapeutic modality that has been extensively researched and is an effective method proven to help people recover from traumatic events as well as life disturbing experiences. EMDR therapy is evidence based and has been shown to be helpful to clients experiencing addiction, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, PTSD symptoms and more. EMDR therapy helps people identify events that feel stuck and possibly stored in the brain as disturbing images, thoughts, emotions and physical sensations that often lead to distressing symptoms and behaviors.
8-Phase Process Moving through the 8-phase process means first taking a thorough history and agreeing on a direction for treatment. Next it is the preparation phase which includes relationship building and an introduction to techniques that support EMDR therapy and the client's ability to take care of themselves. This is followed by the assessment, reprocessing, installation, body scan and closure on whatever target, or issue, is being addressed. Then there is re-evaluation. At this point the disturbance should be decreased significantly and the stuck material unlocked from the brain and resolved in a more adaptive way. For optimum relief and resolution the complete trauma treatment protocol of EMDR addresses the past, present and future via specific procedures unique to EMDR therapy.
How it Works EMDR therapy is different from talk psychotherapy in that it does not require talking in detail about painful and disturbing events. EMDR therapy utilizes Dual Attention Stimulation or Bi-lateral Stimulation (DAS/BLS) via eye movement, tapping, bi lateral audio, or pulsers. Utilizing this rhythmic left-right pattern it allows the brain to activate our natural healing process to help resolve unprocessed traumatic material that may be stuck. Our fight, flight, freeze and fawn responses are addressed and it is possible to find resolution. EMDR therapy does not erase memory, it merely has an impact from reprocessing negative, painful or maladaptive information towards a more digested and healthy outlook. EMDR is also not something that is done "to you", as you are in control, and your own brain does what it needs in order to heal. As a psychotherapist and EMDR therapy practitioner, my role is to hold the framework for your healing and to support you in your journey towards greater health, resilience, freedom and resolution.
Keep what is worth keeping and with the breath of kindness blow the rest away. ~Dinah M. Craik