Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) trauma therapy treats Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and complex trauma. Trauma can result from harassment, neglect, violence, abuse, combat, accidents, medical treatment, disasters, interpersonal conflict and more. For more information on trauma, see my trauma therapy page.
Brainspotting Trauma Therapy Can Help You Heal
Therapy using EMDR can help decrease the symptoms of trauma, PTSD, depression, stress, fear, anxiety, anger, panic, eating concerns, grief, performance, phobias, addiction, sexual assault and violence. It can also help with chronic illness and medical conditions.
Dr. Francine Shapiro discovered EMDR Therapy while walking in a park. She noticed that her upsetting thoughts and feelings quickly went away on that walk. Through study and experimentation, she found that when she moved her eyes rapidly back and forth while thinking of something disturbing, the difficult thoughts and feelings began to disappear.
The Client’s EMDR Experience
To begin the EMDR healing process, the client focuses on an event that they would like to work on. The client is then directed to pay attention to a negative image, belief, emotion, and/or sensation related to this event. The client then identifies a positive belief that they would hope to feel surrounding the event.
Returning to the event, the therapist and/or the client will begin sets of side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps. These sets are short in nature, typically seconds to minutes. The client is then directed to observe what they notice after each set. Clients often experience a change in perspective, thoughts, sensations, feelings, or beliefs associated with event. This process continues until the event becomes less disturbing or the therapy session ends.
It is important to note that the client sets the pace in the healing process, which allows the client to avoid becoming overwhelmed. Also, EMDR employs calming techniques, which allow clients to process the trauma without having to re-experience the trauma at the intensity of original event.
EMDR Trauma Therapy Results
EMDR therapy is widely known as an effective trauma therapy. It is recognized as an evidenced-based treatment for PTSD and other disorders, including being recognized by most insurance companies and mental health organizations.
For more information on EMDR, visit the EMDR International Association’s website.
EMDR Trauma Therapy Training
Suzanne has completed 40 hours of EMDR basic training and continues to consult with EMDR experts.
It’s time to heal…
Please contact me at (720) 443-1480 or email me to schedule an appointment.