EMDR
EMDR
Ages 5 – Adult
“EMDR: Unleashing the power within to heal, transform, and thrive.”
~ Francine Shapiro
Through 35 years of research, EMDR has been shown to effectively decrease symptoms associated with numerous concerns, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), complex trauma, anxiety, eating disorders. and elements of depression.
Because we believe EMDR is a powerful tool that offers great potential for healing, our entire team is trained in EMDR. Several therapists are certified and are consultants. We offer EMDR for individuals and couples, pediatric EMDR, EMDR Intensives, and the integration of EMDR into psychedelic therapy.
The Healing Potential of EMDR
Although EMDR was originally developed to address the symptoms of trauma, EMDR can also help with the following:
- Decreasing panic attacks, social anxiety, and phobias
- Healing from complicated grief and loss
- Treating body dysmorphic disorders
- Improving body image and self-esteem
- Treating complex trauma and dissociative disorders
- Addressing performance anxiety in a variety of settings
- Reducing or eliminating distressing emotions related to painful memories
- Improving relationships
- Letting go of perfectionism
- Replacing negative beliefs about yourself, the world, and others with more adaptive ones
A bibliography of the extensive 35+ years of research about the benefits of EMDR can be found at the EMDR International Association’s website: www.emdria.org
Common Questions about EMDR
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR is an evidence-based practice initially developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987. as an intervention to overcome the psychologically devastating effects of trauma.
More specifically, EMDR is an 8-phase therapeutic process discovered by an American Psychologist, Francine Shapiro, in 1987. The eight phases include: History and Treatment Planning, Preparation, Assessment, Desensitization, Installation, Body Scan, and Closure. While true EMDR utilizes all 8 phases, when people talk about EMDR, they are generally referring to the Desensitization stage. This is the stage which involves Bilateral Stimulation, which can be done through various types of alternating bilateral stimulations including eye movement, tapping on the knees or hands, using hand-held buzzers, or listening to auditory stimuli.
How does EMDR work?
Because EMDR incorporates bilateral stimulation, people are able to process through their issues much more quickly and effectively than traditional talk therapy.
Essentially, the Bilateral Stimulation works with both hemispheres of the brain to help desensitize the neural pathways the brain currently uses when thinking about a traumatic event (Desensitization Stage). The Bilateral Stimulation is then able to create new neural pathways in the brain to install a stronger, more adaptive belief (Installation Stage).
Clients can experience EMDR in many different ways. For some it involves thoughts, memories, or feelings. For others, the process may involve more physical sensations such as pressure in the chest. Regardless of how people process, the goal is to reduce the distress associated with the target issue.
Besides trauma, what else can EMDR help with?
Although EMDR was originally developed to address the symptoms of trauma, EMDR can also help with the following:
- Decreasing panic attacks, social anxiety, and phobias
- Healing from complicated grief and loss
- Treating body dysmorphic disorders
- Improving body image and self-esteem
- Treating complex trauma and dissociative disorders
- Addressing performance anxiety in a variety of settings
- Reducing or eliminating distressing emotions related to painful memories
- Improving relationships
- Letting go of perfectionism
- Replacing negative beliefs about yourself, the world, and others with more adaptive ones
How does EMDR differ from other trauma therapies?
All trauma interventions have a similar goal: reduce the distress caused by traumatic memories. There are three main evidence-based therapies for trauma: prolonged-exposure therapy (PE), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy (TF-CBT). EMDR has been found to help in fewer sessions and does not require homework between sessions. It is the classic treatment for veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD, survivors of violence, and those suffering the effects of traumatic natural disasters such as hurricanes and other forms of devastation.
Can I stay with my current therapist and still receive EMDR therapy from you?
Yes. Because not all therapists are trained to use this form of therapy, we offer our expertise in EMDR to supplement the ongoing therapy clients are already receiving with their primary therapist. Adjunctive therapy does not replace or interrupt ongoing therapy. It is complementary to primary therapy.
The process entails well-focused and clearly defined issues to address with EMDR, such as intrusive memories, flashbacks, negative thoughts, or other feelings that just don’t change or go away during traditional treatment. Usually this type of adjunctive therapy is short term and can be done in the form of an intensive.
Hear from our team about EMDR
Person-Centered Care: The Foundation of Healing
Ego State Therapy: Healing Trauma by Embracing the Self in Parts
Combining Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy and EMDR
Five Book Recommendations for Trauma Recovery
Let’s Get Started!
There are two easy ways to connect with us. Call our office at 720-675-7123 and press “1” to be connected. Fill out the contact form to request an appointment or to learn more.
