“The past affects the present even without our being aware of it.”
-Francine Shapiro, Founder of EMDR
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) is recognized as an effective, evidenced-based treatment for trauma-related struggles by many US and International accrediting organizations, including The American Psychiatric Association, The VA and Department of Defense, and World Health Organization.
When a traumatic or disturbing event occurs, our brain’s communication between the two hemispheres is often disrupted, thus causing a traumatic reaction and subsequent triggers/symptoms. By identifying faulty core cognitive beliefs tied to the event(s) and reprocessing it with the aid of bilateral stimulation, we are able to help our brain heal itself and reduce the distress and negative cognition associated with the trauma.
EMDR is not hypnosis or a form of meditation. It does not conflict with Biblical truth. If requested, we can pray in the beginning and/or end of the session as well.
Helping Our Brain Heal Itself
EMDR is different from other forms of counseling that you may have had in the past. First, I will spend time building rapport, gathering a thorough history, and developing a treatment plan. If you are a good fit for EMDR and you decide to participate, I will help you strengthen positive and calming resources to use through EMDR and in everyday life. It is important to me that you feel safe.
Part of the EMDR process will include bilateral stimulation, which involves stimulating both hemispheres of the brain in hopes that they will communicate better and process through the incident and existing triggers. Bilateral stimulation can occur through the client following my fingers or a light with eye movements, alternating audio tunes, or alternating hand buzzers. I will ask for brief feedback but you will not be instructed to go in depth about the actual event, as other trauma related therapies require. This can help the client feel safer since they are not required to fully relive the experience and will enable to the brain to continue processing more easily.
God made our brains incredibly complex, but He also made them capable of healing and freedom.
EMDR works very well for individuals who have experienced a disturbing event (no matter the size) that has attached itself to a cognitive belief or triggered symptoms of trauma. I have seen individuals struggling with abuse, car accidents, wartime events, natural disasters, traumatic deaths, phobias, and more experience great freedom and healing from this modality. EMDR also works very well with children, where normal bilateral stimulation can be replaced with creative alternatives, such as puppets, toys, art, dancing, etc.
Who is a good candidate for EMDR?
Pave a new pathway.
Training our brain to take a different path can be difficult but is a worthwhile journey. Interested in reading more on EMDR before jumping in? Check out the websites below for more information or use the secure scheduler to book an appointment today.