EMDR is short for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy and it’s an integrative treatment approach that has been proven effective for the treatment of trauma and other mental health problems that cause people distress.
EMDR Therapy is considered a breakthrough therapy because of its simplicity, and the fact that it can produce quick and lasting relief for most types of emotional distress. EMDR Therapy is recognized as a highly effective and efficient therapy for the permanent eradication of symptoms related to anxiety, stress, trauma, and more.
Negative emotions, feelings, and behaviours are generally caused by unresolved earlier life experiences or traumatic events. This 8-phase method helps people to process distressing, “stuck” memories and beliefs. EMDR seems to have a direct effect on the way the brain processes information.
This non-traditional therapeutic approach appears to be similar to what occurs naturally in REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement) by utilizing dual attention stimulation: eye movements (left-right), tactile (pulsars or tapping), or auditory (tones). When used by a trained therapist EMDR helps people get “unstuck” from negative thoughts and emotions and allows them to heal and move forward with their lives.
EMDR was developed in 1987 and is now used worldwide. It is an integrated psychotherapy that incorporates aspects from many different therapy approaches including experiential, cognitive, behavioural, psychodynamic and somatic. The EMDR technique is most effective when used in tandem with other traditional counselling and psychotherapy therapies.
After 1-2 sessions of gathering important client history, a trained therapist can then help determine if EMDR is right for you. Sessions are generally 60-90 minutes in length. Typically, fewer sessions are needed than traditional psychotherapy. But it depends on the person, situation and the trauma event(s).
EMDR treatment aims to achieve comprehensive results safely, effectively and efficiently while maintaining client stability. This therapy has been extensively researched and proven effective for many mental health issues and trauma.
ISSUES EMDR CAN HELP WITH
- Distressing memories
- Phobias/Fears
- Anxiety
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Performance issues
- Self-Esteem
- Loss
- Childhood Trauma
- Emotional, Physical or Sexual Abuse
- Eating Disorders
- Depression
- Addictions
Contact me to learn more or to book a session. We offer online counselling sessions and evening and weekend appointments as well.