EMDR Therapy

EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION AND REPROCESSING Therapy(EMDR)

What is EMDR therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured therapy designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic and distressing experiences. Developed by Francine Shapiro, EMDR involves guided eye movements combined with cognitive processing of traumatic memories, aiming to reduce their emotional impact. Our natural instincts trigger stress responses as part of the fight, flight, or freeze mechanism. When the distress from a disturbing event lingers, it can lead to overwhelming sensations of being transported back to that moment or feeling "frozen in time," accompanied by upsetting images, thoughts, and emotions. EMDR therapy is designed to assist the brain in processing these memories, facilitating the resumption of normal healing. While the experience is still remembered, the fight, flight, or freeze response associated with the initial event is effectively resolved.

Key Concepts in EMDR Therapy

  • Bilateral Stimulation: Eye movements, taps, or sounds that are used to stimulate both sides of the brain, facilitating the processing of traumatic memories.

  • Desensitization: Reducing the intensity of disturbing memories and associated emotions.

  • Reprocessing: Reformulating negative beliefs and emotional responses linked to trauma.

  • Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model: Theoretical framework suggesting that EMDR helps the brain process and integrate traumatic memories into more adaptive and functional

Benefits of EMDR Therapy

  • Effective Trauma Resolution: EMDR is highly effective in treating PTSD and other trauma-related conditions.

  • Quick Results: Many clients experience significant improvements in a relatively short period.

  • Reduced Emotional Distress: Helps diminish the emotional intensity of traumatic memories.

  • Cognitive Restructuring: Facilitates the replacement of negative beliefs with more positive and realistic ones.

  • Non-Invasive: Does not rely on medication and is less invasive than some other forms of trauma treatment.

How I Can Help Clients Using EMDR Therapy

  • As a therapist specializing in EMDR, I can guide clients through the following process:

  • Initial Assessment: Evaluate the client's history and identify specific traumatic memories and issues to be addressed.

  • Preparation: Educate clients about the EMDR process, establish a sense of safety, and teach self-soothing and coping techniques to use during and between sessions.

  • Assessment: Identify the specific memories to target, including associated negative beliefs and physical sensations.

  • Desensitization: Use bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or sounds) to help clients process and diminish the emotional intensity of the targeted memories.

  • Installation: Strengthen positive beliefs and cognitions that are more adaptive and supportive of the client’s well-being.

  • Body Scan: Guide clients to notice any residual physical sensations related to the trauma and use bilateral stimulation to address these sensations.

  • Closure: Ensure clients return to a state of stability and safety before ending each session, teaching additional coping strategies if necessary.

  • Reevaluation: At the beginning of each session, review progress and address any remaining distress related to the targeted memories or other issues that have surfaced.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS HEALING

Don’t let trauma dictate your future. Contact Hartwell Counselling today to schedule your initial consultation and begin your journey towards recovery and resilience; please use the link below to schedule your appointment. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way. We provide personalized and high-quality virtual counselling services in Alberta, Nova Scotia, British Columbia and across Canada. Ready to transform your life? Reach out to Hartwell Counselling now and discover how our specialized trauma therapy services can help you achieve your healing goals. Start your path to well-being with our expert therapist and comprehensive online counseling options.