Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
If not processed correctly, trauma can cause ripple effects that become disruptive to a person’s well-being While the initial effects of trauma cause shock and disruption, the long term effects can be even more damaging as the ripples extend outward affecting multiple areas of a person’s life.
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is an evidence-based method of psychotherapy guided by the adaptive information processing model–the theory that trauma is stored and stuck in the brains neural network. Any memory of a traumatic event, conscious or subconscious, causes a person to connect to the negative feelings and thoughts associated with it.
EMDR therapy is a non-traditional approach that identifies and addresses experiences that have overwhelmed the brain’s natural resilience or coping capacity, and have caused traumatic symptoms and/or harmful coping strategies. Through EMDR therapy, clients are able to reprocess traumatic information until it is no longer psychologically disruptive.
Through the EMDR therapy, clients tend to “process” the memory in a way that leads to a peaceful resolution. This often results in increased insight regarding both previously disturbing events and long held negative thoughts about the self. For example, an assault victim may come to realize that he was not to blame for what happened, that the event is really over, and, as a result he can regain a general sense of safety in his world
Unlike other treatments that focus on directly altering the emotions, thoughts and responses resulting from traumatic experiences, EMDR therapy focuses directly on the memory, and is intended to change the way that the memory is stored in the brain, thus reducing and eliminating the problematic symptoms.
How Does it Work?
When disturbing experiences happen, they are stored in the brain with all the sights, sounds, thoughts and feelings that accompany it. When a person is very upset, the brain seems to be unable to process the experience as it would normally. Therefore, the negative thoughts and feelings of the traumatic event are “trapped” in the nervous system. Since the brain cannot process these emotions, the experience and/or it’s accompanying feelings are often suppressed from consciousness. However, the distress lives on in the nervous system where it causes disturbances in the emotional functioning of the person.
The EMDR Therapy Technique does two very important things. First, it “unlocks” the negative memories and emotions stored in the nervous system, and second, it helps the brain to successfully process the experience.
The therapist works gently with the client, guiding him or her to revisit the traumatic incident. When the memory is brought to mind, the feelings are re-experienced in a new way. EMDR makes it possible to gain the self-knowledge and perspective that will enable the client to choose their actions, rather than feeling powerless over their re-actions. This process can be complex if there are many experiences connected to the negative feelings. The EMDR therapy sessions continue until the traumatic memories and emotions are relieved.
What is EMDR Used To Treat?
EMDR has been found to effectively treat a number of issues including, but not limited to:
- PTSD
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Phobias
- Eating disorders
- Addictions
- Relationship Issues
- Grief/Loss
Can EMDR Help Me?
To find out if you are a good candidate for EMDR therapy, begin by completing the Contact form and scheduling your FREE 15 Minute Phone Consultation. You may also reach me at 954-947-0774 or info@treeoflifefl.com