What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and is a powerful psychotherapy method used to help individuals heal from trauma and other distressing life experiences. EMDR therapy has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from different treatment approaches.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR therapy uses a technique called bilateral stimulation to repeatedly activate opposite sides of the brain. At The Carlile Therapy Group we utilize a NeuroTek Light Bar to stimulate eye movements to facilitate bilateral stimulation. These eye movements mimic the period of sleep referred to as rapid eye movement or REM sleep, and this portion of sleep is frequently considered to be the time when the mind processes the recent events in the person’s life. This process allows the brain to reprocess and integrate memories more effectively.
Trauma can be looked at as any life event that overwhelms our ability to cope and therefore leads to maladaptive / dysfunctional storage of memories. EMDR helps to “turn the volume down” on distressing memories by supporting the brain’s natural healing process in a positive and rapid way leading to the sense of peaceful resolution.
EMDR is often used to help clients uncover and process beliefs that developed as the result of relational traumas, or childhood abuse and/or neglect. For a more detailed explanation please visit the EMDR Institute, Inc.
What To Expect
The duration of EMDR therapy varies based on individual needs and the complexity of the trauma. EMDR is a process and healing occurs at different rates for different clients. Therefore, the number of sessions are determined based on the specific trauma, individual client progress, target symptoms and overall goals.
EMDR sessions last between 45-90 minutes. Typically sessions are initially scheduled weekly to establish rapport and assess response and may become less frequent as therapy progresses. At The Carlile Therapy Group a light bar made by NeuroTek is used to facilitate client’s eye movements.
Why Choose EMDR?
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn't require detailed discussion of distressing events and instead focuses on the changing of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors related to these events. Additionally, online EMDR therapy allows client’s the opportunity to effectively address traumatic and distressing life events from the comfort of their home.
What does EMDR help?
EMDR is appropriate for all ages and can be used to address any past experience that causes present day distress. EMDR had been originally established as helpful for PTSD, although it’s been proven useful for treatment in the following conditions:
- Panic Attacks
- Complicated Grief
- Dissociative Orders
- Disturbing Memories
- Phobias
- Pain Disorders
- Performance Anxiety
- Addictions
- Stress Reduction
- Sexual and/or Physical Abuse
- Body Dysmorphic Disorders
- Eating Disorders
- Personality Disorders
- Negative Core Beliefs
- Low Self-Esteem
- Attachment Issues
- Toxic Shame
- Anxiety
- Depression
None of the above symptoms or experiences fit you?
Do you experience distressing emotions that appear to you, and perhaps to others, to be excessive given the current situation? Do you tend to be highly reactive to certain triggers? Is there one or more dysfunctional beliefs that you believe about yourself that on an intellectual level you know is not true?
If so, you may still be a good candidate for EMDR therapy. If you are unsure if EMDR is right for you please feel free to contact us for a free phone consultation to see if EMDR might help you release what no longer serves you.
Interested in EMDR?
Our clinicians offer virtual Individual Therapy sessions in Colorado and Florida and provide a free 15-minute consultation call prior to scheduling an initial session in order to ensure that we are the right fit for you and your therapeutic goals.
Please reach out today for a free consultation or to schedule your first appointment!