EMDR
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is an evidence-based therapy model that decreases stress and trauma responses.
EMDR works to address traumatic memories that have been stored in the body. Some common physiological responses that are held in the body are sleep disturbances, panic attacks, and increased heart rate. Senses, thoughts, or beliefs can trigger memories that then cause distress. EMDR is beneficial for people wanting to overcome a previous traumatic experience or a current or future stressor. The goal of EMDR is to help you heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences by making uncomfortable memories more tolerable.
EMDR Therapy consists of eight phases. This includes history taking, treatment planning, and preparation. Once completed, the therapist will guide the client in identifying a target memory to begin desensitization. EMDR goes at the client's pace; conducted in a safe and supportive environment.
Desensitization incorporates bilateral stimulation. Bilateral stimulation is eye movements, tapping, or auditory alternating stimuli. EMDR helps to reprocess the thoughts and emotions of the memory that produce a stress response. The therapist will guide the sessions and help connect the memory networks. EMDR is complete when all maladaptive memory networks are cleared, including all associated memories producing negative behavioral patterns. The result of EMDR is stability and comfort with past, present, and future stressful situations.
Jenn Lodico Ward, LMSW is our trauma specialist who is currently taking on new clients!
If you are interested in EMDR for yourself or your loved one, feel free to Contact Us and we will see how we can best support you!