Eye Movement Desensitatization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
One of the "tools in my tool-box" is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which I have advanced training in. It is an amazingly effective tool to promote healing and reduce emotional distress that comes from negative beliefs about yourself, disturbing life events and trauma. I provide EMDR therapy for anyone who believe it might be helpful to them, not just those seeking therapy related to parenthood.
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What is EMDR?
EMDR will help you remove mental blocks to allow your brain to naturally heal itself. Our brain works hard to protect us and grow us. When disturbing things happen to us, our brain tries to organize the event and understand it. Sometimes, things get stored in a way that feels "stuck" - much like a foreign object in a wound or a guitar string that is out of tune. This can cause us to feel that we are not functioning the way we would like. EMDR helps our brain reorganize and repack what happens, so it no longer feels overwhelming and scary.
What to expect from a session?
EMDR is able to help remove blocks that are stuck by bilateral stimulation. This is a fancy phrase that basically means simultaneous left and right brain stimulation. The most common way this is done is through eye movements, which will look like you following my fingers from left to right. This sounds weird, right? Maybe it will feel less weird if you recognize this is what your eyes are doing when you are in REM sleep? We know that in REM, we are reprocessing information from the day or days before. In a similar way, you will be reprocessing old memories when we use bilateral simulation. Every 30 seconds, or so, I will pause to ask you what you are noticing. This allows your left brain to be engaged and process and reorganize. Some clients notice emotions, body sensations, memories, or even intense relaxation. There is no limit to the positive effect, as your brain is really doing the work for you! Through EMDR your brain can heal itself from these negative experiences and beliefs. During the session, you are in control the whole time.
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What can EMDR be used for?
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I offer EMDR to my perinatal mental health clients and also others who might be specifically seeking EMDR therapy.
EMDR can help people struggling with a range of issues which can include (but isn’t limited to):
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Trauma and PTSD
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Negative Experiences
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Anxiety
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Phobias (i.e. airplanes, tight spaces)
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Depression
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Disturbing memories
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Childhood trauma
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Sexual, physical, and emotional abuse
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Low self-esteem
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Negative self-talk
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Obsessive thoughts
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Complicated grief
Does EMDR seem a little far-fetched to you? No worries, it did to me at first too until I personally experienced how effective an intervention it can be. Also rest easy knowing that EMDR is an evidence based framework and is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), American Psychological Association (APA), Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). If for whatever reason you think EMDR may not be your think that’s more than OK. Promise! EMDR is NOT the only therapy model I utilize. It is one specialized framework I work from but I have many other "tools in my toolbox" that we can chose from to get you the results you are looking for.
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More About EMDR...
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What is EMDR Therapy?
https://www.emdria.org/page/emdr_therapy
https://www.emdrconsulting.com/what-is-emdr/
Personal Stories about Healing with EMDR:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiULmoDQe5g
EMDR Research:
https://www.emdria.org/page/EMDRResearch
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Notice That Podcast (a podcast about EMDR):