EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that has been scientifically proven to effectively treat a range of trauma- and stress-related symptoms, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other related conditions.. EMDR brings about change without dwelling on the past, instead focusing on the present to re-integrate healing memories. You will learn to cope with your negative experiences in new ways, allowing you to live fully in the present as opposed living in the past. It fast-tracks the therapeutic process by using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or sounds) to rapidly process difficult emotions and memories without the need to verbalize or full experience them. Research shows that this therapy can be helpful for people who want to resolve past traumas and move on with their lives.
The main difference between EMDR therapy and other therapies is that you do not need to spend time talking about the distressing issue or write down your thoughts. Instead, EMDR therapy uses the brain's natural healing ability to process and address unresolved traumatic memories in a way that allows you to return to a state of mind that is not overwhelmed by those memories.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is most effective for individuals who struggle to verbalize their feelings or experienced very distressing situations that are traumatic to recall and face. The bilateral movements helps people process these memories while keeping the overwhelming feelings muted.
EMDR therapists direct eye movements while guiding the individual through the distressing scenarios and towards more positive thoughts, which help to reduce feelings of anxiety.
Depression is often linked to unresolved trauma. EMDR is a highly effective treatment for trauma-based depression. It has been shown to alleviate symptoms by addressing the underlying cause.
EMDR has been found to be highly effective in treating trauma and PTSD by helping the individual process very difficult memories without needing to speak about or relive them.
Sometimes our pain is perpetuated or worsened by our mind. EMDR helps guide individuals to use the power of their mind to process and overcome physical and emotional pain.
Unresolved trauma may actually manifest as disordered eating. EMDR helps individuals with eating disorders by enabling them to understand, process and heal from their traumatic past.
EMDR has been shown to improve sleep issues without the use of medication. This is because sleep issues are often rooted in trauma or anxiety, both of which are treatable with EMDR.
Not sure who can help you? You can either fill out the form to be matched to a therapist that specializes in your unique situation or give us a call at (403) 588-7639.
