"The question we should ask ourselves is, 'Am I happy?' If the answer is no, we should consider a therapeutic alternative and the possibility of change." --Dr. Francine Shapiro, Founder of EMDR
What is EMDR? EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, is a highly effective revolutionary and breakthrough holistic treatment for trauma, chronic pain, anxiety, anger, phobias, depression, negative core beliefs, and low self esteem/confidence. The therapy involves carefully and safely revisiting traumatic past, present or even future (imagined) events, with the help of the therapist, while at the same time experiencing some form of bilateral stimulation (back and forth eye movements, alternative tapping or buzzing (holding gentle buzzers), alternating sound tones (wearing earphones). Time is taken, often several sessions, to establish trust and rapport with the therapist, as well as developing basic stress/anxiety management skills, before addressing any traumas. Together, therapist and client work together to reconnect the memories, thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations that have become fragmented, in order for the client to reprocess and integrate them and finally heal. Typically, huge shifts in one's perceptions of themselves and their lives can occur in just a few powerful sessions. EMDR is the therapy of the future! I am one of the few Certified EMDR Trauma Therapists in the Piedmont Triad area and have years of experience helping people heal trauma safely and effectively, allowing them to remove powerful blocks holding them back from enjoying their lives and achieving their goals.
What is EMDR? EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, is a highly effective revolutionary and breakthrough holistic treatment for trauma, chronic pain, anxiety, anger, phobias, depression, negative core beliefs, and low self esteem/confidence. The therapy involves carefully and safely revisiting traumatic past, present or even future (imagined) events, with the help of the therapist, while at the same time experiencing some form of bilateral stimulation (back and forth eye movements, alternative tapping or buzzing (holding gentle buzzers), alternating sound tones (wearing earphones). Time is taken, often several sessions, to establish trust and rapport with the therapist, as well as developing basic stress/anxiety management skills, before addressing any traumas. Together, therapist and client work together to reconnect the memories, thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations that have become fragmented, in order for the client to reprocess and integrate them and finally heal. Typically, huge shifts in one's perceptions of themselves and their lives can occur in just a few powerful sessions. EMDR is the therapy of the future! I am one of the few Certified EMDR Trauma Therapists in the Piedmont Triad area and have years of experience helping people heal trauma safely and effectively, allowing them to remove powerful blocks holding them back from enjoying their lives and achieving their goals.
What kind of problems can EMDR treat?
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Scientific research has established EMDR as effective for post traumatic stress. However, clinicians also have reported success using EMDR in treatment of the following conditions:
• Panic attacks • Complicated grief • Dissociative disorders • Disturbing memories • Phobias • Pain disorders • Performance anxiety • Stress reduction • Addictions • Sexual and/or Physical abuse • Body dysmorphic disorders • Personality Disorders |
How does EMDR work?
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No one knows how any form of psychotherapy works neurobiologically or in the brain. However, we do know that when a person is very upset, their brain cannot process information as it does ordinarily. One moment becomes "frozen in time," and remembering a trauma may feel as bad as going through it the first time because the images, sounds, smells, and feelings haven't changed. Such memories have a lasting negative effect that interferes with the way a person sees the world and the way they relate to other people.
EMDR seems to have a direct effect on the way that the brain processes information. Normal information processing is resumed, so following a successful EMDR session, a person no longer relives the images, sounds, and feelings when the event is brought to mind. You still remember what happened, but it is less upsetting. Many types of therapy have similar goals. However, EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs naturally during dreaming or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Therefore, EMDR can be thought of as a physiologically based therapy that helps a person see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way. |
How long does EMDR take? |
One or more sessions are required for the therapist to understand the nature of the problem and to decide whether EMDR is an appropriate treatment. The therapist will also discuss EMDR more fully and provide an opportunity to answer questions about the method. Once the therapist and client have agreed that EMDR is appropriate for a specific problem, the actual EMDR therapy may begin.
A typical EMDR session lasts from 60 to 90 minutes. The type of problem, life circumstances, and the amount of previous trauma will determine how many treatment sessions are necessary. EMDR may be used within a standard "talking" therapy, as an adjunctive therapy with a separate therapist, or as a treatment all by itself. |
Does EMDR really work? |
Approximately 20 controlled studies have investigated the effects of EMDR. These studies have consistently found that EMDR 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. EMDR was also found effective by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense, the United Kingdom Department of Health, the Israeli National Council for Mental Health, and many other international health and governmental agencies. Research has also shown that EMDR can be an efficient and rapid treatment.
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What EMDR clients are saying... |
"I was a member of the Canadian Army for over 20 years. I suffered from OSI (operational stress injury), depression, and the loss of my daughter and wife killed by a drunk driver. For over a year of treatment and work on my part, I have finally found some peace of mind, My anger and depression had lowered to a manageable level. Today, I see the light at the end of the tunnel.... I know that this treatment EMDR is by far the best I ever received in the mental health field, and the great thing is no meds. Thank you," - G.C.
"This is just a note to let you know about how EMDR has changed my little girl. We started therapy in November 2005, and we have had 8 sessions so far. She is 6 years old and has had severe symptoms of PTSD from being abused. Although regular therapy had been a little successful, her progress was slow and arduous. Now, through EMDR my daughter seems happier, and her "fits" (aggressive rages) have been significantly reduced. Even though we are still in EMDR therapy, I could not wait to tell you how much we think this therapy has helped our precious daughter. Nothing we have tried was this successful. Warmest Regards," - R. A. Colorado "A few years ago I underwent EMDR. I was skeptical, of course. At this point in time, however, I see that it saved my marriage, my sanity and my relationship with my children. I was suffering from PTSD after experiencing much loss and never even realized that's what stood in the way of a healthy life. It's a wonderful treatment and more people should be informed about it. I was lucky to run across it by accident. Thank you," - J. M. |
Watch the following videos about this powerful therapy, by its founder, Dr. Francine Shapiro and by the EMDR International Association, where I am Certified.
Click [HERE] to begin your EMDR healing journey with me today!
Click [HERE] to begin your EMDR healing journey with me today!
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