Reprocessing trauma, Restoring Hope.
EMDR Therapy for Residents in California
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach developed in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro. It is primarily used to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories, though its applications have broadened to address various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and phobias.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to briefly focus on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (usually eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories. This process helps to reprocess these memories and integrate them into a more adaptive context, diminishing their negative impact.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR therapy is divided into phases. In the beginning, we will spend some time getting to know you and understanding your history. Together, you'll pinpoint the memories and situations that are causing you distress. Next, you’ll learn how EMDR works and make sure you feel prepared. You'll learn some coping strategies to manage any emotional discomfort that might arise during therapy.
When you're ready, you'll identify specific memories to work on. This involves discussing how vivid these memories are, the negative beliefs you associate with them, and any physical sensations you feel when thinking about them.
During the desensitization phase, you'll focus on a traumatic memory while being guided through bilateral stimulation such as tapping, sounds, or the most effective, eye movements. This helps reduce the distress connected to the memory.
Afterward, you'll work on replacing the negative beliefs tied to the memory with positive ones. You'll hold these positive thoughts in your mind while continuing the bilateral stimulation. Then, you'll do a body scan where you pay attention to any physical responses you have when thinking about the trauma and positive belief. Any lingering tension is addressed with more bilateral stimulation.
If you have a significant issue you'd like to address, you can schedule a longer session to help you reach a more thorough resolution of your trauma. However, if a session ends before you've fully processed a memory, I'll help you return to a calm state using relaxation techniques.
In follow-up sessions, you'll review the progress you've made and continue working on any remaining distressing memories. While single 60-minute sessions might take longer to achieve full resolution, opting for more intensive sessions can accelerate your healing process. This ongoing work ensures that you steadily move toward healing and emotional well-being.
Research on EMDR
Research has extensively supported the efficacy of EMDR. A study published in the "Journal of Traumatic Stress" in 1997 demonstrated that EMDR was as effective as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in reducing PTSD symptoms but achieved results in fewer sessions. Another study, published in "The American Journal of Psychiatry" in 2007, found that 77% of combat veterans no longer met the criteria for PTSD after completing EMDR therapy.
Meta-analyses have further supported EMDR’s effectiveness. For instance, a 2013 meta-analysis published in "PloS One" reviewed 26 randomized controlled trials and concluded that EMDR is an effective treatment for trauma.
Moreover, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA) have recognized EMDR as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD. The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense also include EMDR in their clinical practice guidelines for managing PTSD.
Why wait any longer…
EMDR is a powerful therapeutic approach that helps individuals reprocess traumatic memories and alleviate the associated distress. With its structured phases, non-invasive nature, and strong research backing, EMDR stands out as a leading treatment for PTSD and other mental health challenges. Its ability to provide rapid and lasting relief makes it a valuable tool for therapists and clients alike, fostering healing and emotional well-being.
The Benefits of EMDR
Effectiveness in Treating PTSD: EMDR is widely recognized for its efficacy in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Numerous studies have shown significant improvements in symptoms of PTSD in individuals who have undergone EMDR therapy.
Rapid Results: Compared to traditional forms of therapy, EMDR often yields faster results. Clients may experience relief from distressing symptoms after only a few sessions.
Non-Invasive: EMDR does not rely on medications and has no significant side effects, making it a non-invasive option for many individuals.
Holistic Healing: EMDR addresses both the psychological and physiological aspects of trauma, leading to comprehensive healing.
Versatility: Beyond PTSD, EMDR has been used effectively to treat other mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, phobias, and panic disorders.
Frequently asked questions about
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
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EMDR therapy works by helping the brain reprocess traumatic memories in a more adaptive way. During EMDR sessions, the therapist guides you to recall distressing memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as following their fingers with your eyes. This bilateral stimulation seems to help the brain process the memory more effectively, reducing its emotional charge. Over time, this process helps to lessen the distress associated with the traumatic memory, allowing you to move forward with greater ease and resilience.
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EMDR therapy can effectively treat a variety of conditions and issues, including:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): EMDR is well-known for its effectiveness in reducing symptoms of PTSD, such as intrusive memories, nightmares, and hypervigilance.
Anxiety Disorders: EMDR can be beneficial for individuals struggling with various types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias.
Depression: EMDR has shown promise in alleviating symptoms of depression by addressing underlying traumatic experiences that may contribute to depressive symptoms.
Trauma-Related Disorders: EMDR can help individuals cope with the effects of various types of trauma, including childhood abuse, accidents, natural disasters, and violence.
Emotional Dysregulation: EMDR may assist individuals in managing intense emotions and improving emotional regulation skills.
Overall, EMDR therapy is versatile and can be beneficial for addressing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties resulting from traumatic experiences or distressing memories.
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For most people, EMDR therapy is safe and well-tolerated, but like any form of therapy, there can be some potential side effects. These might include temporary increases in distress or emotional arousal during sessions as you process traumatic memories. Some individuals may experience vivid dreams or memories between sessions. However, these reactions typically diminish as therapy progresses and are part of the healing process. It's essential to discuss any concerns with your therapist, who can provide guidance and support throughout the EMDR process. Overall, EMDR is considered a safe and effective treatment for many individuals dealing with trauma and other mental health challenges.
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Schedule a complimentary 15-minute session, and together we can explore which therapy modality will best suit your unique needs.