What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing - A proven treatment for trauma and PTSD
I specialize in a treatment approach called EMDR therapy. In my work as both an individual and a couples counselor, I have found it to be an invaluable tool. I was in practice for 15 years prior to being trained in EMDR. Since incorporating it into my practice, I have watched clients heal more fully and more deeply than in all my years prior. It is a treatment approach well worth reading about.
EMDR is an acronym for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a comprehensive, phased treatment approach developed in 1989 by psychologist Francine Shapiro, that has been extensively researched and proven to be effective for the treatment of trauma-based disorders.
Understanding Trauma & PTSD
The most commonly known trauma disorder is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This disorder sometimes develops after a person experiences an event (or multiple events) so disturbing to them that they are unable to process what happened in a way that allows them to heal from it.
Big T Traumas
The kinds of traumatic experiences that can sometimes lead to PTSD include:
Small t Traumas
There are also not-so-obvious examples of experiences that we refer to as "small t traumas" or Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). They are the more common life experiences, including:
- •Divorce
- •Bullying
- •Teasing
- •Shaming
- •Humiliation
- •Constant criticism
These experiences usually accumulate over time from childhood and are collectively quite traumatizing for young children and adolescents who are unable to handle the overwhelming emotions that accompany these events, especially without adult support.
Hallmark Symptoms of Trauma or PTSD
Not everyone experiences the full spectrum of symptoms listed below, but if you are experiencing several (or all) of these, you may be experiencing a "trauma-based" disorder:
Depression and anxiety
Sleep disturbance (insomnia, nightmares)
Intrusive thoughts (flashbacks to the scenes)
Heightened levels of vigilance – being 'on guard' all the time
Physical arousal such as being jumpy, irritable, and/or aggressive
Substance abuse (the world's most common 'self-medication' for trauma)
Numbing (can't feel emotions) or emotional outbursts (feel too much)
How EMDR Therapy Works
EMDR therapy is a formal set of protocols and procedures used to "desensitize and reprocess" memories that have been encoded in the brain and body as if "frozen in time" as a result of traumatic experiences.
An EMDR therapist must go through extensive training beyond their clinical license to practice this method of psychotherapy. Make sure that your therapist has the proper certification and training in EMDR therapy before you accept treatment of this kind.
Over the last 30+ years, EMDR has been found to be effective with a much broader range of disorders beyond just PTSD. They commonly share underlying trauma as a contributing factor. With the addition and integration of Internal Family Systems procedures, the healing is even safer and more comprehensive.
Examples of Problems Helped with EMDR
Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?
If you're experiencing symptoms of trauma or PTSD, EMDR therapy may be able to help. Contact me to schedule a consultation and learn more about how this proven treatment approach can support your healing.