Using EMDR to Treat Trauma
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a gentle way to help you
find relief from trauma.
This method uses guided eye movements to help your brain process upsetting memories, making them less overwhelming. By changing how these memories are stored in your brain, EMDR can ease their emotional impact.
Many people find that EMDR helps them heal from difficult experiences, leading to lasting healing and peace. Dr. Francine Shapiro developed EMDR in the late 1980s, and it’s now known as a powerful treatment for trauma. The idea is that traumatic memories can get “stuck” in the brain, preventing healing.
EMDR uses eye movements or other bilateral stimulation to unlock these memories. This helps your brain process them in a healthier way. EMDR has eight steps, each one important for making sure the therapy works and you feel safe.
How EMDR Works
Building a Safe Space
In the beginning, your therapist will spend time getting to know you and your history. This helps create a safe space where you can feel understood and supported. Together, you'll explore how EMDR works and what to expect.
Desensitization and Reprocessing
During the core sessions, you'll focus on a troubling memory while following the therapist’s guided eye movements. This process helps to gently reduce the emotional pain tied to those memories. Over time, you’ll find these memories becoming less distressing and more manageable.
Closure and Review
After each session, there’s a time for closure where you can share your feelings and experiences. Your therapist will ensure you leave each session feeling stable and supported. Regular reviews will help track your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Building a Safe Space
In the beginning, your therapist will spend time getting to know you and your history. This helps create a safe space where you can feel understood and supported. Together, you'll explore how EMDR works and what to expect.
Desensitization and Reprocessing
During the core sessions, you'll focus on a troubling memory while following the therapist’s guided eye movements. This process helps to gently reduce the emotional pain tied to those memories. Over time, you’ll find these memories becoming less distressing and more manageable.
Closure and Review
After each session, there’s a time for closure where you can share your feelings and experiences. Your therapist will ensure you leave each session feeling stable and supported. Regular reviews will help track your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment.
Could You Benefit from EMDR?
Gentle and Effective for All Ages
EMDR is for anyone burdened by past traumas. Whether you've been through abuse, accidents, natural disasters, or losing a loved one, EMDR can help you feel better. It’s a gentle and effective option for kids, teens, and adults who need support to heal.
Process Complex Traumatic Experiences
People with complex PTSD can also benefit. This includes those who’ve faced ongoing abuse, domestic violence, or childhood neglect. EMDR helps heal deep emotional wounds, promoting recovery and strength in a caring way.
Heal Depression, Anxiety and Phobias
EMDR can also help with anxiety, depression, and phobias caused by trauma. It helps you handle intense stress and reduces symptoms like flashbacks and nightmares.
EMDR is for anyone burdened by past traumas. Whether you’ve been through abuse, accidents, natural disasters, or losing a loved one, EMDR can help you feel better. It’s a gentle and effective option for kids, teens, and adults who need support to heal.
People with complex PTSD can also benefit. This includes those who’ve faced ongoing abuse, domestic violence, or childhood neglect. EMDR helps heal deep emotional wounds, promoting recovery and strength in a caring way.
EMDR can also help with anxiety, depression, and phobias caused by trauma. It helps you handle intense stress and reduces symptoms like flashbacks and nightmares.
EMDR Via Telehealth
Our therapists at Eagle Rock Therapy are skilled in providing EMDR therapy online. The process is as effective as in-person sessions. Your sessions use secure video calls to guide the therapy.
Telehealth EMDR is especially helpful for those who find it hard to leave home due to anxiety or physical limitations. You can do EMDR from a comfortable, private space at home, making it feel safe and secure.
