MARIA PISTORIO, LPC, NCC
EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION & PROCESSING (EMDR)
Helping patients deal with traumatic experiences.
WHAT IS EDMR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a psychotherapy approach that was originally developed to help people process traumatic experiences. EMDR therapy incorporates elements from various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and bilateral stimulation techniques.
The primary goal of EMDR is to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories or other disturbing life experiences. It is based on the theory that traumatic experiences can get "stuck" in the brain's processing system, leading to ongoing psychological distress and symptoms. EMDR aims to facilitate the natural healing process by accessing and reprocessing these traumatic memories.
HOW DOES EMDR WORK?
EMDR uses eye-movement stimulation paired with reflecting on a traumatic memory to desensitize and effectively manage traumatic memories.
EMDR is different from other therapy approaches as it does not require extensive discussion surrounding the traumatic memory. EMDR doesn’t require clients to change their thoughts around the traumatic memory, it simply lets the brain resolve unprocessed emotions, effectively letting the brain “heal.” One of the biggest pros of this form of treatment is that it can be accomplished in just a few sessions, and has shown to be more cost effective than other types of therapy.
Our brains are inclined to heal from traumatic memories or events, this just helps remove roadblocks to expedite the process. We naturally have fight, flight or freeze responses to stress, and trauma can sometimes trigger our freeze response to get stuck- which leads people to feel as though they are stuck in their trauma, or constantly reliving it. EMDR combats this freeze response and lets the brain resume its normal healing. You will still remember the traumatic event, but you will be able to process it and move on without being frozen.
WHAT HAPPENS IN AN EDMR SESSION?
During an EMDR session, the therapist guides the client through a series of bilateral stimulation techniques, such as eye movements, auditory tones, or tactile sensations. These bilateral stimuli are used to stimulate both hemispheres of the brain, facilitating the processing and integration of traumatic memories. The therapist helps the client focus on the traumatic memory while simultaneously directing their attention to the bilateral stimuli.
Through repeated sets of bilateral stimulation, the client's distressing memories, emotions, and associated beliefs are targeted, allowing for their reprocessing and resolution. This process aims to facilitate the integration of the traumatic memory into the client's existing memory networks, leading to a reduction in distress and the development of adaptive coping mechanisms.
IS EMDR FOR YOU?
EMDR has been recognized as an effective treatment approach for various conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), OCD, anxiety disorders, depression, depression, anger management issues, phobias, addiction, and other trauma-related conditions. It is widely used by licensed mental health professionals and has been extensively researched, demonstrating positive outcomes for many individuals.
If the client and therapist decide EMDR is a good fit, treatment can be accomplished in eight phases. In 45-60 minute sessions, EMDR will use eye movement to combat the negative emotion or body sensation associated with the trauma. EMDR can be used in conjunction with talk-therapy or by itself.
ARE YOU READY TO START?
The first step to healing is deciding that you are ready to overcome your fears, behavioral challenges, or past traumatic experiences. If you wish to start your journey towards a better, more peaceful life, let us begin your EMDR sessions. Contact me now and let's arrange an introductory call to get started.