EMDR Therapy
“I’m finding myself feeling more confident in my relationships.”
“ I was going about my day and realized I wasn’t anxious.”
“ For the first time, when flying on an airplane, I didn’t have feelings of panic.”
Anxiety, panic attacks, depression, reactive behaviors and feeling unsatisfied in relationships are just some of the ways that trauma can have a hold on you and your life.
EMDR can be transformative in enabling you to heal emotionally from symptoms of trauma and adverse life experiences.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an integrative psychotherapy that has been extensively researched and proven effective in the treatment of trauma. It uses standardized protocols that incorporate elements from a variety of treatment approaches. In addition to treating trauma, EMDR has helped individuals of all ages find relief from anxiety, phobias and a myriad of other psychologically stressful situations.
What is trauma?
Serious trauma is often associated with experiences such as incidents in war, assault and physical, sexual and emotional abuse (relational traumas) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
However, trauma can also be experienced in response to other life events where your sense of safety and integrity are compromised.
Other causes of emotional and psychological trauma and areas where EMDR can be very effective are:
Traumatic labor and delivery
Motor vehicle accident
Surgery and medical procedures
Critical illness
Witnessing a traumatic event
Eating disorders
Addictions
The breakup of a significant relationship
A humiliating or deeply disappointing occurrence
How is EMDR helpful?
We know that when under significant duress, our brains do not process information as they would under ordinary circumstances.
If you have experienced a trauma your usual coping abilities are overwhelmed. Recalling a disturbing event can feel as if it is occurring all over again. It’s as if the memory is frozen in time with the same images, thoughts, beliefs and feelings relevant to the experience.
EMDR enables the brain to process trauma to resolution, replacing your anxiety, fears and negative beliefs about yourself with new insights, positive beliefs and a sense of calm.
Clients will often remark that the memory of the trauma does not have the same impact on their life as it once did. They can recall the memory but it is no longer associated with the same emotions or negative beliefs they held about themselves.
How I approach integrating EMDR into our work together.
EMDR is always utilized within the context of a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship. It is a part of an integrative comprehensive approach to problem solving that is designed to meet your individual needs.
Incorporating EMDR into our work is a collaborative decision that we will make once a thorough history has been taken and we have clearly identified the areas to address.
EMDR utilizes an eight stage protocol. It includes a detailed history, treatment planning and preparation, establishing resources (toolbox of relaxation/coping exercises), processing of information related to the targets being addressed, evaluation and follow-up.
I have been using EMDR since 2003 after receiving training as a Level II EMDR clinician. Working alongside my clients, I have had the privilege of seeing dramatic improvements in their lives due to internalizing more positive beliefs about themselves and viewing their lives through a new lens.
For more detailed information regarding how EMDR works and to obtain references for documented research on EMDR effectiveness, please visit the following websites:
What are the next steps?
I welcome you to contact me at 303.759.9171 to schedule a free 15 minute telephone consultation. It will give us an opportunity to discuss your situation in more detail. I am also happy to answer any questions that you may have that will help you to feel comfortable moving forward.
We can decide in that conversation if you would like to set up an appointment. I look forward to hearing from you.
