WHAT IS EMDR THERAPY?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an information processing therapy, which uses an eight-phase approach that was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro. It directly effects the way brain processes information by decreasing the severity of negative emotions attached to disturbing situations. When your perspective on the event changes, your feelings change which in turn changes your behavior. EMDR is a psychotherapy technique that should be used in conjunction with an integrated treatment plan designed by an experienced clinician.
Please visit the EMDR Institute and the EMDR International Association for a more in depth definition and studies regarding the success of clients using EMDR. EMDR is successful in treating a wide range of issues including anxiety, trauma, grief, pain, substance abuse/dependence, and is also used for enhancing strengths and athletic performance.
HOW DOES EMDR WORK?
EMDR therapy is an integrative psychotherapy and uses a technique called bilateral stimulation to repeatedly activate opposite sides of the brain. Therapists often use eye movements to facilitate the 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.
EMDR seems to help the brain reprocess the trapped memories is such a way that normal information processing is resumed. Therapists often use EMDR to help clients uncover and process beliefs that developed as the result relational traumas or childhood abuse and/or neglect. For a more detailed explanation please visit EMDR Institute, Inc.
LISA STULL HAS BEEN USING EMDR SINCE 1995 AND IS LEVEL II TRAINED. SHE HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN TREATING CLIENTS WITH A VARIETY OF ISSUES AND DECREASING THE SEVERITY OF THEIR SYMPTOMS.
WHAT DOES EMDR HELP?
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
- Personality Disorders
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 about yourself that on an intellectual level you know is not true?
If so, you may still be a good candidate for EMDR therapy.
Contact me today for a free phone consultation to see if EMDR might help you release what no longer serves you.