EMDR Therapy

What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy.  It has been proven to be effective at treating issues stemming from traumatic events, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and more. 

How does EMDR work?

During trauma our brain processes and stores memories incorrectly. This incorrect storage can lead to past memories feeling very present. Related or unrelated stimuli in the present can lead to clients reacting as they did at the time of trauma. The brain feels as if the past disturbing event is happening currently.

EMDR therapy corrects this mis-storage so that the painful memories associated with the trauma lose their charge. The client can react to stimuli in the present without the past interfering.   In successful EMDR therapy, the meaning of painful events is transformed on an emotional level.  For instance, a rape victim shifts from feeling horror and self-disgust to holding the firm belief that, “I survived it and I am strong.”  Unlike talk therapy, the insights clients gain in EMDR therapy result not so much from clinician interpretation, but from the client’s own accelerated intellectual and emotional processes.  all without speaking in detail or doing homework used in other therapies. 

What to expect during sessions?

EMDR therapy has eight (magical) phases. It starts with phase one; preparation by history taking session.  We will identify possible targets for processing. In phase two I will ensure that you have several different ways of handling emotional distress.  A goal of EMDR therapy is to produce rapid and effective change while the client maintains equilibrium during and between sessions. Phases three to six we identify the target and start processing using EMDR protocol.  Phases seven and eight are closure and reevaluation.  

A miss conception about the treatment is that it is similar to hypnosis.  During the treatment, you are in full control of the session, you can stop anytime you want. 

Can EMDR be done online?

OF course!  The primary principles and phases of EMDR do not change when done online. It is essentially the same and potentially enhanced by the fact that those receiving treatment can utilize various home comforts during treatment.

Few tips preparing for your online EMDR sessions:

1. You will likely need to use a laptop with a larger screen or a desktop computer, you CAN NOT use your phone screen. 
2. Make sure that your internet connection is strong. 
3. Open the video in a brand-new window so you don’t have other tabs open. 
4. You need to make sure that there are no distractions around.  It is recommended that you lock your door to avoid interruptions. 
5. Make sure to put your phone on silent. 

 For more information you can watch the video below.