EMDR

Service Description

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR Therapy) is an evidence-based approach to treating trauma and PTSD. EMDR is designed to heal the emotional distress resulting from traumatic memories. Researchers believe that EMDR works by engaging similar brain mechanisms as those that are involved in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. The repeated bilateral stimulation caused by the eye movements used in EMDR therapy creates a neurobiological state that resembles REM sleep. Therefore, traumatic and emotionally charged memories can be processed so they are no longer overwhelming. In EMDR therapy, the set up involves an eight-phase treatment process. However, the number of sessions needed varies according to the client’s trauma history. The age of PTSD onset and the number of times the person experienced traumatic events or incidents determine how long they will need to be in EMDR treatment. According to research, clients with a single incident of trauma, such as a one-time assault or accident, may need only five hours to integrate the event. By contrast, people who have experienced Complex PTSD from childhood trauma may require a longer treatment time. An EMDR session involves "Eight Phases" including history taking and treatment planning, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. Following EMDR treatment many patients have reported a reduction in psychical symptoms like panic attacks, depression, and addictions, phobia's, and anxiety.