Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
EMDR Therapy in Texas
EMDR is a psychotherapy approach to help people heal from traumatic events, work through negative beliefs that people are stuck in, and provide relief from many forms of psychological stress. Many studies show that when using EMDR, individuals can process events and trauma that may have taken years to process with general psychotherapy. EMDR uses eye movements or bi-lateral stimulation to access a type of processing, similar to the one we experience in REM sleep.
EMDR consists of 8 phases of treatment: History & Treatment Planning, Preparation, Assessment, Desensitization, Installation, Body Scan, and Closure. The amount of time it takes to complete the phases varies from person to person based on history and needs.
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EMDR stands out as one of the most extensively researched and scientifically validated methods for trauma treatment. Beyond being recognized as the top choice for addressing PTSD, it has demonstrated effectiveness in resolving various other issues, such as:
Anxiety and Panic
Depression
Phobias and Fears
Distressing Memories or Traumatic Experiences
Grief and Loss
Eating Disorders
Performance Anxiety
Nightmares and Insomnia
Chronic Pain
Anger
Addiction and Substance Abuse Issues
Dissociative Disorders
Self-esteem and Body Image Issues
Traumatic Grief
Stress Management
Relationship Difficulties
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Significantly and Rapidly Reduces Distressing Symptoms:
When you think about the disturbing event, you will no longer feel controlled and dysregulated by it- it’s as if the volume has been turned down. You will feel empowered to confront, integrate, and live with past experiences, leading to long-lasting positive changes in behavior and perception.
Enhanced Emotional Well-being:By installing new positive beliefs about yourself, By improving emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills, you’ll gain insight and greater self-awareness, fostering resilience and promoting overall psychological well-being.
Personal Growth and Resilience:EMDR helps overcome maladaptive behavior patterns and negative thought patterns, ultimately leading to adaptive coping mechanisms and enhancing self-esteem and confidence.
Improved Interpersonal Relationships:
As internal healing happens, you’ll feel more regulated in your life and speak kinder to yourself. This leads to improvements in relationships and promotes healthy boundaries and communication.
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Just like other types of treatment, you will be assessed to make sure EMDR is right for you. Measurements like the DES-II and the MID might be given as a means of assessing dissociative experiences which can be associated with trauma. For some people, stabilization work and grounding tools are helpful to work on before starting EMDR.
Who Would Not Benefit from EMDR:
Those that cannot tolerate a certain level of distress
That that have a very high level of dissociation or dissociative disorders
Those with active psychosis and currently experiencing hallucinations or delusions
Those using benzodiazepines or marijuana
Those with certain co-occuring physiological health disorders
How EMDR works
EMDR therapy involves focusing on a distressing memory, the negative belief about that memory, and a body feeling related to that memory. While the client focuses on these things, the therapist guides the client through repeated bi-lateral stimulation through eye movements, sounds, and taps. The client is guided to notice what comes to mind after each set. As the client notices thoughts and feelings that arise, these stimulation sets continue until the memory becomes less upsetting. The process includes shifting from negative to positive beliefs, and the client has the autonomy to stop the therapy at any time.
My Approach to EMDR
A Safe and Supportive Environment
I am committed to providing a safe, supportive, and curious environment that will help you feel empowered and engaged. I use a trauma-informed and structured yet flexible approach with each of my clients when doing EMDR therapy.
What Does an EMDR Session Look Like?
Beginning the EMDR process looks like getting to know you and your history, identifying what you want to work on with EMDR therapy., and symptoms that you're experiencing. We will develop a treatment plan the defines specific targets on which to use EMDR. This includes: events from the past, present situations that are distressing, and skills to learn to help your future self.
It’s important to build rapport and trust in the therapeutic relationship when doing EMDR as some sessions might be uncomfortable for a short while. To help with this discomfort, I’ll teach you regulation skills, resources, and relaxation techniques for calming yourself for any emotional disturbance that might happen during or after a session.
When we reach more active phases of EMDR, I will guild you to recall a specific event or traumatic memory while engaging in bi-lateral stimulation using eye movements, listening to altering sounds, holding altering hand buzzers, or gentle taps.
The goal of EMDR is not to forget past memories, but to help us not feel so triggered and distressed by them- learn to live with them. We don’t want you to feel like you are reliving your trauma, but instead, teaching your brain how to reprocess memories in a safe way to reduce emotional intensity and for some people… take your life back! You will be left with the understanding, emotions, and perspectives that will support healthy behaviors and interactions.
Can EMDR Therapy Be Done Virtually?
Yes! And guess what…it’s just as effective! I offer online EMDR therapy in Texas as well as in-person in Austin, TX. When I do EMDR virtually, I use a special platform that uses both visual and audio bi-lateral stimulation. Sometime I even use this platform, in addition to moving my fingers back and forth, for in-person sessions.
Let’s Talk About How EMDR Can Help YOU!
If you are interested or have questions about EMDR, please do not hesitate to ask. I would be happy to discuss if EMDR would be right for your treatment. Schedule your free 15-minute consultation call.below!