EMDR for Trauma and PTSD
EMDR Therapy Works and is Effective for Lasting Change.
How Does It Work?
After a traumatic event, individuals with PTSD or Acute Stress often have trouble making sense of what happened to them. EMDR helps you process the trauma, which will allow you to start to heal.
In the EMDR session, you will pay particular attention to a bilateral eye movement, tones, or taps while calling to mind the upsetting memory. You will do this multiple times and often across multiple session, until the way you experience the memory shifts and is less distressing for you.
EMDR therapy closes mental wounds and helps individuals transform their lives.
What Should I Expect?
Initially, we will discuss emotional and physical reactions to trauma, purpose of anxiety, and answer any questions you may have. We will discuss your readiness for processing these traumatic events, and I’ll teach you some coping skills to use between our session for handling stressful thoughts and feelings.
Next, you will identify the “target,” or distressing memory that corresponds to the trauma. This often includes negative thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations related to the memory.
Eventually, you will shift your focus to a more positive belief you’d like to have about yourself while you hold the distressing memory in mind.
Once these memories have been processed we will re-assess your symptoms to see if any additional targets need to be reprocessed.
What Are the Risks?
Like any trauma related treatment, you may experience discomfort or feel uncomfortable while focusing on these trauma-related memories, especially in the first few sessions. These feelings are often brief and people tend to feel better as the EMDR progresses. Most people who complete EMDR find that the long-term benefits outweigh the initial discomfort.
Will I Talk About My Trauma in Great Detail?
No. In a majority of cases you’ll not be asked to talk about the details of your trauma out loud. Instead, you’ll be asked to call your trauma to mind in session.
Will I Have Homework?
Not traditional homework. You will be provided with a log to track distressing memories, etc. However, this helps us identify additional targets to process later in treatment.
How Long Does Treatment Last?
EMDR usually lasts 1-3 months of weekly 50-90 minute sessions. Many people begin noticing improvement after a few sessions. Often, the benefits of EMDR can last after your final session with me.
Here are a Few of the Disorders and Conditions that EMDR Can Help With:
- Anxiety Disorders
- Phobias
- Substance Use Disorders and Addiction
- Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder
- Humiliations, Rejection, Embarrassment
- PTSD, often the result of experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event. Examples include sexual or physical assault, car accident, natural disaster, shooting.
- Complex Trauma
- Sudden or expected job loss.
- Low self-worth.
Maintain hope. Therapy is effective. Change is possible.
