EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to focus briefly on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories. It is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms. Ongoing research supports positive clinical outcomes, showing EMDR therapy as a helpful treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences.
Our brains have a natural way to recover from traumatic memories and events. This process involves communication between the amygdala (the alarm signal for stressful events), the hippocampus (which assists with learning, including memories about safety and danger), and the prefrontal cortex (which analyzes and controls behavior and emotion). Stress responses are part of our natural fight, flight, or freeze instincts. When distress from a disturbing event remains, the upsetting images, thoughts, and emotions may create an overwhelming feeling of being back in that moment, or of being “frozen in time.” Traumatic memories are relived in the form of sensations. (emdria.org)
Mental time travel and absorption in recalling the past is in full experience of being in the past, and the awareness of the present self is reduced. The representation of the past self outweighs that of the present self. EMDR therapy helps the brain process these memories, and allows normal healing to resume. The experience is still remembered, but the fight, flight, or freeze response from the original event is resolved.
In our practice, we utilize EMDR therapy for adults of all ages to address a wide range of challenges such as:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other trauma and stress-related issues; Sleep disturbance
Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias; Performance anxiety; Depression and bipolar disorders; Grief and loss
Sexual assault/abuse; Violence and abuse; Spiritual conflict; Religious trauma; Identity conflict; Attachment issues
