EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION REPROCESSING
Utilized in conjunction with holistic psychotherapy.

Clinicians report using EMDR in the treatment
of the following conditions:

• Post-traumatic stress
• Panic attacks
• Complicated grief
• Disturbing memories
• Anxiety disorders
• Stress reduction
• Addictions
• Sexual and/or physical abuse

EMDR processing is a treatment based on the theory that when a person becomes very upset, their brain cannot process the information in a healthy manner as it does ordinarily. Upsetting or intensely disturbing thoughts/trauma can become “frozen in time.”

In effect, a difficult or traumatic situation can negatively affect the biochemical balance of the brain’s information processing system. When something upsetting/traumatic happens, it seems to get locked into the nervous system with the original picture, sounds, thoughts and feelings. Since the experience is locked in there, it continues to be triggered whenever a reminder comes up. It can be the basis for a lot of discomfort and sometimes a lot of negative emotions like fear and helplessness that we cannot seem to control. These are really the emotions connected with the old experience that are being triggered.

Each time you think of the thoughts, can be as disturbing and feel as bad as if you are going through it for the first time, because the images, sounds, smells, and feelings haven’t changed. Such memories have a lasting negative effect on the way a person sees the world and relates to other people. Being “stuck” continues to interfere with their healthy wellbeing.

HOW DOES EMDR PROCESSING WORK?
EMDR is used in conjunction with psychotherapy. During the EMDR process, the therapist works with the client to identify a specific problem to be the focus of the treatment. The client calls to mind the disturbing issue or event, what was seen, felt, heard, thought etc. and what thoughts and beliefs are currently held about that event.

Together, therapist and client determine the most helpful methods for treatment incorporating brain stimulus by: 1) rhythmic hand-eye directional movements 2) hand-tapping bi-lateral movements or 3) audio headphones alternating tones in each ear. The therapist facilitates the directional movement of the eyes and/or the use of other bilateral stimulation of the brain, while speaking with the client. The integration and reweaving of the memory continues until it becomes less and less disturbing and is associated with positive thoughts and beliefs. By the end of the session most people report a great reduction in the level of disturbance.

HOW LONG DOES EMDR PROCESSING TAKE?
The type of problem, life circumstances and the amount of previous trauma will determine how many treatment sessions are necessary. A typical EMDR processing session last about 90-minutes and is covered by most mental health insurances. EMDR processing, when fully integrated with the psycho-dynamic and holistic approach of balancing body-mind-spirit, offers a powerful therapeutic treatment.

What kinds of problems can EMDR treat?
Since 1987, EMDR research and treatments have evolved to address a range of contributors to distress, from critical incidents such as rape and assaults, to interactions with family, peers, teachers, strangers and others that have left a lasting negative effect.

Research findings along with additional information on the treatment phases of EMDR can be found at www.EMDR.com. 

READ ABOUT OTHER HEALING MODALITIES:
Holistic Psychotherapy • Body-Mind-Spirit • Hypnotherapy