What is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based, integrative psychotherapy that has been proven to help those suffering from trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. It is a form of psychotherapy that uses bilateral stimulation of the brain by repeatedly alternating between right and left eye movements, spoken repetitions of phrases, or tap points that target key areas in the brain that help regulate anxiety levels and help process deep-seated trauma and memories.

How Does EMDR work?

EMDR uses a set of procedures to organize your negative and positive feelings, emotions, and thoughts. Bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or alternating tapping, is then used as a way to help you work through disturbing memories. At the start of EMDR therapy, the therapist will assess the client’s history, current circumstances, and desired goals in order to determine the best course of treatment. The therapist will utilize a series of targeted, bilateral stimulation exercises that help to process difficult memories and emotions to guide the client through therapy. During the therapy, the client will be encouraged to close their eyes and focus on the sensations that arise from the bilateral stimulation exercises. Through this process, the client will be able to work through and gain insight into their traumatic memories and feelings in a safe, non-confrontational environment. The goal of EMDR therapy is to help the client process difficult memories and emotions that are often related to trauma in ways that allow them to move beyond them and gain insight into the root cause of their suffering. The process of EMDR therapy is often successful in helping clients reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, as well as improving sleep, emotional regulation, decision-making, and overall quality of life.

Who is a good fit for EMDR?

EMDR has shown to be beneficial for individuals with past trauma, anxiety, and panic disorders. Your therapist can work with you, which may take some time, to make sure that you are in a stable place to be able to utilize EMDR.

Are you struggling with post-traumatic stress? Are you feeling stuck or unable to move on from a negative event? You may be a good fit for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. EMDR is a therapy designed to help people process and move on from traumatic experiences. EMDR is based on the concept that some negative experiences remain unprocessed and causes us to feel stuck in a loop, unable to move forward. EMDR helps us to break this cycle by communicating more effectively with our brains. This therapy has a high success rate and can be extremely helpful for triggering a healing process. It primarily benefits those suffering from post-traumatic stress, anxiety disorders, depression, and emotional disturbances. EMDR can help decrease feelings of distress, increase feelings of safety, and recalibrate how we perceive and respond to memories of traumatic events. If you are looking for a way to process and move on from past traumas, then EMDR therapy may be the right fit.

Some counselors at Connected Family Services are able to provide EMDR services. If you would like to schedule a call with one of our care counselors, please click the button below to schedule a free 15-minute phone consult.