What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for treating trauma and stressful life experiences. This method utilizes a set of standardized protocols that incorporate elements from various therapeutic approaches.
The process begins by guiding the client to focus on a specific traumatic event, paying attention to the negative images, beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations linked to it. The client is then directed to shift focus to a positive belief, representing the resolution of the issue.
During this focus, the therapist uses sets of side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps, encouraging the client to notice any changes in their thoughts, feelings, or beliefs after each set. These shifts can lead to new insights, emotional healing, and a sense of resolution regarding the traumatic experience.
The process begins by guiding the client to focus on a specific traumatic event, paying attention to the negative images, beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations linked to it. The client is then directed to shift focus to a positive belief, representing the resolution of the issue.
During this focus, the therapist uses sets of side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps, encouraging the client to notice any changes in their thoughts, feelings, or beliefs after each set. These shifts can lead to new insights, emotional healing, and a sense of resolution regarding the traumatic experience.
How does it work?
EMDR therapy uses a technique called bilateral stimulation to activate both sides of the brain alternately, improving communication between the left and right hemispheres. During sessions, the client focuses on distressing or traumatic memories in short, sequential segments while bilateral stimulation is applied. The EMDR Institute explains, “After successful treatment with EMDR therapy, affective distress is relieved, negative beliefs are reformulated, and physiological arousal is reduced.”
What does it help with?
EMDR was originally established to treat PTSD, but it has also proven effective for various other conditions, such as:
- Panic Attacks
- Complex Grief
- Traumatic or Disturbing Memories
- Phobias
- Performance-Related Anxiety
- Stress Reduction
- Sexual and/or Physical Trauma
- Body Image Issues
- Personality-Related Disorders
If none of these describe you...
Do you find yourself feeling intense emotions that seem disproportionate to the situation, both to you and possibly others? Do certain triggers cause you to react strongly? Are there negative beliefs you hold about yourself that, although you know intellectually aren’t true, still feel deeply real to you?
If so, EMDR therapy might be a beneficial option for you.
If so, EMDR therapy might be a beneficial option for you.
How invasive is EMDR?
EMDR is noninvasive.
Is it necessary to disclose all details of an experience for EMDR to be effective?
No. The client does not need to disclose all details to the therapist in order to work through an experience.
How many sessions are necessary for results?
The amount of sessions necessary varies for each client based on their personal goals.
Will I be in control during the session?
Yes. The client is fully present and in control during the session.
AUBURN THERAPY ASSOCIATES, LLC
Serving the Auburn-Opelika area
1716 Catherine Court, Unit 1A
Auburn, AL 36832
[email protected]
phone: 334-219-0049
fax: (334)454-3980
©2021
Serving the Auburn-Opelika area
1716 Catherine Court, Unit 1A
Auburn, AL 36832
[email protected]
phone: 334-219-0049
fax: (334)454-3980
©2021