Trauma Counseling and EMDR
What Is Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)?
What Is Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)?If you’ve struggled with anxiety or depression for any length of time – or have suffered from the distressing memories so often associated with abuse or other traumatic events – then you know all too well the devastating effects these problems can have on one’s relationships and ones life.
Until recently, these issues were often time consuming and difficult to treat.
Fortunately, a relatively recent therapy technique known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing – or EMDR for short – has been shown to be extremely effective at helping people just like you overcome post-traumatic stress, anxiety, panic attacks, stress, depression, phobias, and a host of other problems.
When we experience extreme anxiety, stress, abuse, or a traumatic event, the sights, sounds, thoughts and feelings that accompany those events are stored in our brains.
Unfortunately, the disturbing nature of such events leaves our brains incapable of processing these types of experiences effectively and the thoughts and feelings associated with them become “trapped” in our nervous systems.
It is this unconscious, trapped distress that keeps people from functioning normally.
EMDR is a relatively short-term treatment that is based on the rapid eye movement, or REM, the human brain uses during sleep to help us process our daily emotional experiences.
EMDR treatment uses this back-and-forth, bi-lateral eye movement to help you stimulate your own brain and reprocess traumatic and stressful experiences and release the thoughts and feelings that are trapped in your nervous systems so healing can occur.
However, this is not to say that EMDR treatment is as simple as moving your eyes back and forth while bringing up painful memories!
EMDR is made up of numerous components, including mindfulness and stress-reduction practices, all of which contribute to successful treatment.
It’s also important to note that, while EMDR may work similarly to hypnosis, EMDR treatment does not involve hypnosis of any kind and clients remain conscious and in control throughout EMDR therapy.
So, can EMDR help you?
Well, EMDR therapy is one of the most researched therapeutic treatments – especially when it comes to trauma – and it has been shown time and time again to be safe, long lasting, and highly effective.
In fact, in just the past couple of decades more than half a million people have experienced the immediate and lasting benefits EMDR treatment provides.
Of course, each one of us is a unique human being.
Our experiences of the world are no one else’s and we all process information, respond to events and treatments, and heal differently.
However, if you’re looking to overcome chronic or severe anxiety and stress, depression, or the memories of prior traumatic events, EMDR offers what may be your best bet for fast, effective relief.
What’s more, EMDR treatment can also help you achieve emotional balance, peace of mind, and a sense of control that can help you start moving forward again in life with confidence and optimism.
Given all of this, it should come as little surprise that EMDR’s been called a breakthrough therapeutic technique by countless therapists and their clients.
I know EMDR has helped my clients create positive, lasting changes both efficiently and effectively and I’m excited to be able to offer it as part of the transformational services I offer.
For more information about EMDR and how it can help you resolve emotional pain and create the relationships, joy, and life you desire, contact me today at (949) 310-2311 to schedule a free, initial phone consultation.