EMDR Therapy
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it”
~ Nelson Mandella
What is EMDR?
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, is a comprehensive, evidence based psychotherapy (developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987) that helps people heal from symptoms and emotional distress resulting from traumatic events and disturbing experiences, such as sexual assault, abuse, auto accidents, or combat.
EMDR therapy demonstrates that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma. When you cut your hand, your body works to close the wound. If a foreign object or repeated injury irritates the wound, it festers and causes pain. Once the block is removed, healing resumes. EMDR therapy demonstrates that a similar sequence of events occurs with mental processes. The brain’s information processing system naturally moves toward mental health. If the system is blocked or imbalanced by the impact of a disturbing event, the emotional wound festers and can cause intense suffering. Once the block is removed, healing resumes.
EMDR therapy focuses attention on three time periods: the past, present, and future. Attention is given to past disturbing memories and related events. Also, attention is given to current situations that cause distress, and to developing the skills and attitudes needed for positive future experiences.
EMDR therapy uses an eight-phase treatment approach. This includes taking a complete history, preparing the client, identifying targets and their components, actively processing the past, present and future aspects, and on-going evaluation.Eye movements (or other bilateral stimulation) are used during one part of the session. Therapist-led bilateral eye movements, hand tapping, shoulder tapping, and audio simulation are used as methods for bilateral stimulation.
Benefits of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy clients describe feeling empowered by the very experiences that once controlled their lives. Through EMDR therapy, clients are able to reprocess traumatic information until it is no longer psychologically disruptive and increase their confidence to deal with future situations.
If you have questions about the process or would like information about starting EMDR therapy, please call 715-602-4321 or email our office at Front-Desk@windingriverscounseling.com We look forward to working with you!
