EMDR Therapy Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
When someone experiences an event or multiple events that cause them intense fear, it can change the way the brain works. Whenever something reminds you of the trauma, you can relive it. You may be afraid of certain places, tones of voice, objects, people with certain body types. Smells can trigger your fear. You may be afraid to go places or do things because you may be triggered. You may have vivid nightmares and wake up feeling you or someone you love is in danger. You may experience health problems, chronic pain, have difficulty sleeping or eating. You may have panic attacks, think you are going to die or worry excessively. These kinds of problems hurt you, your life and the people who love you. In the past, there was not much you could do about these symptoms. Now there are several proven therapeutic techniques to help you put the past in the past.
One of these treatments for symptoms stemming from past traumas is EMDR Therapy. It uses the way memory is stored in the brain and how it impacts our emotions to release the intense hold those memories have on us. It combines sensory bi-lateral stimulation (visual, hearing or physical sensations) with emotional memory and the belief it leads to, to release the intensity of the experience. It does not erase the memory, but it turns down the volume, so to speak.
It is not known exactly how EMDR works, but there are many many research studies verifying its effectiveness. The VA has approved it as one of the treatments used to help veterans with PTSD. In my experience, it is the fastest, most effective and least intrusive way to release trauma, whether it is from childhood abuse, sexual abuse or assault, accidents, multiple experiences or single events. EMDR Therapy has also shown to be useful with some cases of chronic pain, headaches and fibromyalgia. There are specific protocols to relieve cravings. One of the best and unexpected characteristics about EMDR is that you do not have to talk about the memory in order for it to be effective. Sometimes, people don't have words to describe what they are experiencing, yet EMDR is still effective.
In order to practice EMDR Therapy a clinician has to have a Master's degree, experience with counseling and have EMDR training. Although to an outside observer, it may seem simple, it requires an understanding of how the brain and emotions work with trauma, and requires a specific protocol. I have completed Levels I & II of EMDR training with Francine Shapiro, the creator of EMDR. I am an EMDRIA certified EMDR Therapist. I have many years of experience with using this technique. I find it to be one of the best tools I have to help people get better.
Can you benefit from EMDR Therapy?
If you have answered yes to 10 or more questions, you are a good candidate for EMDR Therapy.
For more information about EMDR Therapy go to the official EMDR website. Read this article by Francine Shapiro click here
To find out more or schedule an appointment, contact me at (360) 949-2524 or Jeanne@ChoicesCounseling.org
One of these treatments for symptoms stemming from past traumas is EMDR Therapy. It uses the way memory is stored in the brain and how it impacts our emotions to release the intense hold those memories have on us. It combines sensory bi-lateral stimulation (visual, hearing or physical sensations) with emotional memory and the belief it leads to, to release the intensity of the experience. It does not erase the memory, but it turns down the volume, so to speak.
It is not known exactly how EMDR works, but there are many many research studies verifying its effectiveness. The VA has approved it as one of the treatments used to help veterans with PTSD. In my experience, it is the fastest, most effective and least intrusive way to release trauma, whether it is from childhood abuse, sexual abuse or assault, accidents, multiple experiences or single events. EMDR Therapy has also shown to be useful with some cases of chronic pain, headaches and fibromyalgia. There are specific protocols to relieve cravings. One of the best and unexpected characteristics about EMDR is that you do not have to talk about the memory in order for it to be effective. Sometimes, people don't have words to describe what they are experiencing, yet EMDR is still effective.
In order to practice EMDR Therapy a clinician has to have a Master's degree, experience with counseling and have EMDR training. Although to an outside observer, it may seem simple, it requires an understanding of how the brain and emotions work with trauma, and requires a specific protocol. I have completed Levels I & II of EMDR training with Francine Shapiro, the creator of EMDR. I am an EMDRIA certified EMDR Therapist. I have many years of experience with using this technique. I find it to be one of the best tools I have to help people get better.
Can you benefit from EMDR Therapy?
- Have you had an experience that horrified or terrified you?
- Have you had an illness or problem that changed everything?
- Do you have disturbing and distressing memories of your experiences?
- Do you have nightmares or night terrors?
- Do you have trouble sleeping?
- Do you have relationship trouble?
- Do you have trouble feeling safe in private, in public, in a quiet environment, in a noisy environment?
- Do you have difficulty trusting?
- Do you lose your temper easily?
- Do you have back pain, stomach problems or headaches that started after your experience?
- Can you sit for 15-90 minutes at a time?
- Can you identify the feelings you are having?
- Can you identify your negative beliefs?
- Do you know what you want to believe?
- Can you trust your own experience?
- Can you tolerate intense emotions for a short period of time?
- Do you have 1-3 hours after a session to relax?
- Can you follow a moving object with your eyes? OR listen to sounds using headphones or earbuds? OR allow the back of your hands or knees to be tapped?
If you have answered yes to 10 or more questions, you are a good candidate for EMDR Therapy.
For more information about EMDR Therapy go to the official EMDR website. Read this article by Francine Shapiro click here
To find out more or schedule an appointment, contact me at (360) 949-2524 or Jeanne@ChoicesCounseling.org