EMDR (Eye movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy) involves the use of left to right eye movements or another type of bilateral stimulation (BLS) to process traumas. Other examples of BLS may be bilateral tapping or listening to head phones that simulate bilateral sounds. EMDR is primarily used to treat trauma and PTSD but can also be very helpful at reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, phobias and other ailments by targeting the underlying causes of your distress. EMDR appeals to individuals because it provides healing and relief in far less time than other therapeutic modalities. It could take you years to feel better with traditional talk therapy, however with EMDR you may start to feel better after the first processing session. For more information about EMDR you can refer to www.emdria.org.
Individual EMDR Therapy
Just like talk therapy, EMDR can be done during weekly or bi-weekly outpatient therapy sessions. Once you and your therapist decide that EMDR is right for you, your therapist will begin preparing you for the 8-phases of treatment which will involve developing a trusting therapeutic relationship, identifying a ‘list of targets’, building coping skills and identifying personal resources that will support your journey. Most clients see me as their primary or only therapist; however, I do also offer adjunct therapy to clients working with another (non-EMDR trained) therapist but feel EMDR could be a beneficial addition to their current treatment.
EMDR therapy for Couples
In some cases, EMDR therapy can be used in treating couples by targeting traumatic memories that drive current relationship conflicts. EMDR may not be suitable for all couples.
EMDR for kids
I offer adjunct therapy for kids of all ages who are working with a therapist who feels EMDR therapy would be a beneficial addition to their current treatment.
EMDR Intensives….
Offered to adults and children, an EMDR intensive is an accelerated approach to treatment that will be customized to fit your schedule and needs. It would involve scheduling extended therapeutic work over a period of 2 to 4 hours including rest breaks. This appeals to individuals who would prefer to have 1-2 long sessions instead of hour-long therapy sessions over a period of several weeks or months. An EMDR intensive is not right for everyone. For example, if you are currently in an unsafe environment, are currently going through a major stressor, have frequent episodes of dissociation, or low levels of distress tolerance, an EMDR intensive may not be the right approach.
The Process
Step 1
You will have a phone consult to see if EMDR is right for you (or your child) and determine that an intensive approach is the right fit.
Step 2
You will have a 60-90 minute intake session during which important history will be gathered, a list of EMDR targets will be created and resources and coping skills will be identified and developed. You will review different types of Bilateral Stimulation and identify which feels right to you. If needed, another session for resourcing and coping skills development may be scheduled before your intensive.
Step 3
You will have a 2 to 4 hour intensive EMDR processing session.
Step 4
A follow-up will be scheduled to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and to determine if any further processing is necessary.
EMDR Intensives are only partially covered by insurance.
The past is only a chapter in your book, its not the whole story...