Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of therapy that has been in practice for over 30 years. In its origins, EMDR was intended to treat trauma memories, but is now commonly used to treat addiction, eating disorders, general anxiety, depression, phobias, sleep issues, performance anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and even chronic pain and fibromyalgia, just to name a few. I often use EMDR with clients who have had disturbing life events spanning a very wide range of issues such as low self-esteem to complex trauma.
The beauty in EMDR lies in its ability to help you desensitize the issue that is disturbing you, whether that is your child's tantrum or a disturbing car accident you witnessed, and then allows our brains to essentially re-file the memory in your brain in a healthy, helpful manner. We then are able to change our beliefs around those disturbing events. For example, in the case of an abusive relationship, the survivor might come into therapy believing they are "worthless and deserved it" and be able to transform their beliefs into "I am a strong and worthy of love and health."
EMDR has been heavily researched and the findings are quite remarkable. In a word, EMDR can be described as effective. One study funded by Kaiser Permanente showed that 100% of the people in the trial with single incident traumas were free of their trauma symptoms after three 90-minute EMDR sessions. Another study showed that 77% of veterans who underwent EMDR therapy were declared free of PTSD symptoms after twelve 50-minute sessions. EMDR allows processing of traumatic and disturbing life events in a much faster time span that typical talk-therapy, which is why I am such a believer in the process. Clearly this is hopeful and very exciting work!
If this is something you might be interested in discussing further, or if you have questions regarding treatment, please email or call. I would love to help you feel comfortable about this incredible tool and help you begin your healing process.