EMDR

When a trauma happens in our life, no matter big or small, it can sometimes get 'stuck' in our bodies.  We hold on to this experience and feel as though it is unresolved and can still trigger the same feelings it did when it first occurred.  Our brains will fire the same ways when trauma gets stuck in our bodies.  EMDR helps you process the trauma out of your body by opening up your limbic system and teaching your brain to fire in new ways.  The result is a 'neutral' feeling about the incident and a way to let go and move forward.  It is a very powerful technique that has the potential to help you work through your trauma in, what can be, a short amount of time.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a technique develped by Francine Shapiro in 1987 to help people process through traumatic and unresolved life experiences.  EMDR uses a three-pronged approach in order to target negative memories from the past, how they currently impact you, and what associated worries you have in the future. 

EMDR uses a structured protocol and bilateral stiumlation to help you process trauma out of your body.  Bilateral stimulation is thought to mimic a REM sleep cycle, opening up your limbic system, and helping you let go of painful memories or experiences.  Bilateral stimulation can be chosen in numerous ways including: following your therapists fingers moving back and forth, headphones that make light beeping noises back and forth, small paddles that vibrate back and forth to be held in your hands or put under your legs, and your therapist to tap back and forth on your hands.  It is up to you to decide which method will work best for you and can be changed throughout the process.

EMDR can be used for the following issues:

1. Trauma

2. Addictions

3. Chronic Pain

4. Performance Enhancement

EMDR is not appropriate for everyone.  Contact us with more questions and a free consultation to see if EMDR could be right for you.