EMDR
EMDR
(Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
EMDR Therapy can help you to resolve painful memories from the past; after these memories are resolved you get to feel calm and safe again and no longer “stirred up” when reminded of difficulties in your past.
EMDR can also help you reduce stress, increase confidence, and feel more positively about yourself and your future.
Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based practice that has been shown through over 25 years of research to effectively decrease or eliminate the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, and Depression.
Research has show that EMDR can be a rapid and effective treatment.
EMDR was originally developed to treat the effects of trauma. It is also commonly reported to be helpful with:
- Achieving Peak Performance in Sports, Public Speaking, and Academics.
- Improving Self-Esteem and Reducing Stress.
- Decreasing Performance Anxiety.
- Reducing Panic.
- Letting go of Negative Beliefs about Yourself, the World, and Others.
- Reducing or Resolving Emotional Issues Related to Painful Memories. Stress, Mood, or Anxiety.
A bibliography of the extensive 25+ years of research about the benefits of EMDR can be found at the EMDR International Association’s website: www.emdria.org
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. That is quite a mouthful, isn’t it? 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. As a therapist, I typically use hand-held buzzers, as do many therapists.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR can very fast acting. Because of the 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 positive belief (Installation Stage).
One of the aspects about EMDR I most appreciate is that clients can experience it 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 through their target issue, the goal is to reduce the distress associated with the target issue.
Common Questions About EMDR
Oftentimes I am asked if EMDR erases painful memories. It does not. You will still have all of your memories. However, after EMDR you will no longer feel “triggered” by them.
Another frequent question involves the hand-held buzzers. People are sometimes concerned that they are painful or if EMDR is like Electroshock therapy (now known as Electroconvulsive Therapy). The buzzers are not painful at all (they just vibrate, like a cell phone). EMDR is not connected with Electroconvulsive Therapy.
Dorothy Moon, PsyD, LCP
Dr. Dorothy Moon has over 10 years of experience as a licensed psychologist in the community and excels at working with adult individuals and couples on a range of struggles including anxiety, depression, trauma, racial identity, cultural influences, life transitions, and relationship issues.
Libby Korell, MSW, LCSW
Libby is a highly gifted clinician with many years of experience treating children, parents, and families. She specializes in treating all types of trauma and she is highly adept at working with pregnant moms, postpartum families, and adults (ages 20 and up) struggling with depression, anxiety, or Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
Alex Smith, M.S.Ed., M.Phil.Ed, LPC
With experience at all levels of clinical care, Alex has the ability to make clients feel welcome and comfortable sharing their experiences. Her clients are met with respect and compassion and find that Alex can hold space without judgment. Alex specializes in Eating Disorder Recovery, Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression.
Mary Miller, MSW, LCSW
Mary is known for creating a space where you feel so safe and comfortable that you are able to work through things that you didn’t know you were capable of getting through.
Lauren Pinneo, MSW, LCSW
Lauren's inviting presence will helps you feel connected to her from the moment you meet. She feels called to create powerful healing through therapy. Her work as a therapist combines the best aspects of her personality and skillset, allowing her to excel in a field that aligns with her strong values.
Erin Staniszeski, MSW, LCSW
Erin is able to sit with your story, no matter what you have been through. Having worked with many survivors of trauma, Erin carries an unshakable confidence in your ability to break through and thrive.
Katie Godfrey, PhD, LCSW
Dr. Godfrey excels at building meaningful connections with her clients as they work together in a warm, non-judgmental environment.
Chelsea Campbell, PsyD, LCP
Working with Dr. Chelsea Towler Campbell in therapy or assessment will help you to identify and build on your strengths.
AJ Grovert,PsyD, LCP
Dr. AJ Grovert has been in practice for over 10 years and specializes in a number of areas such as trauma, perinatal mental health, anxiety spectrum disorders, and emerging adulthood. She also is experienced working with LGBTQ+ communities, female veterans, and those recovering from religious traumas.
Allison Kalivas, MS, MFTC
Allison's is not afraid to be in a tough place with you. She knows that coming into therapy can be a vulnerable experience. She will be your co-pilot, sitting with you in your experience and motivating you to focus on your goals.
Lies van Bekkum, PsyD, LCP
Dr. Lies van Bekkum provides her clients with a wonderful balance of warmth and straightforwardness as a therapist at The Catalyst Center.
Karmen Thulin, PsyD, LCP
If you are ready to make a change and give yourself the gift of healing, Karmen may be a great fit for you. She is easy to connect with, deeply compassionate, and has the training and knowledge needed to help you reach your goals.
Sarah Long, PsyD, CEDS, LCP
Sarah sees her role as walking alongside her clients on the journey towards greater health, meeting you where you are now and helping you take the next step in your journey when you are ready.
Kendra Doukas, MS, LMFT
Kendra Doukas is passionate about her work helping individuals, couples, and families to heal and rebuild after major losses and traumatic events.
Joey Tadie, PhD, LCP
Dr. Joey Tadie is a talented psychologist with a gift for connecting with people and helping them to transform their lives.
Erin Jacklin, PsyD, LCP
Dr. Erin Jacklin is the owner and clinical director of The Catalyst Center. She hand-picked each therapist at the center.
Emily Markley, PsyD, LCP
Dr. Emily Markley is the Clinic Director of our sister non-profit, the Ardent Grove Foundation. In addition to her work training future psychologists, she provides Collaborative Therapeutic Assessment here at the Catalyst Center.
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