EMDR Therapy: Magic or Science?
Coherence Associates Counselors are trained and certified in EMDR Therapy.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Developed in 1987 by Dr. Francine Shapiro, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and panic disorders.
While the treatment of PTSD is what EMDR is best known for, we use it to treat a wide variety of issues including addictions, sleep problems, grief and loss, low self-esteem and performance anxiety.
Recent research: https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/recent-research-about-emdr/
How does EMDR Therapy work?
Just like the body, the mind can often heal itself on its own. Much of this natural process occurs during the REM cycle of sleep, in which the eyes can be seen moving back and forth. After a thorough assessment and skill-learning phase, your EMDR therapist will recreate the natural healing process of your mind via a form of bi-lateral stimulation (back and forth movement).
This process allows your mind to successfully store inefficiently filed information, relieving many unwanted symptoms.
How long does EMDR Therapy take?
EMDR can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan or a brief focused treatment. The duration of treatment is dependent on the individual. Each person and situation is unique; but generally individuals see positive results in as little as 3-6 sessions.
For more complex trauma histories, it is important to pace the treatment in a manner that is most helpful to the person based on their current resilience and support system. Together with a trained and experienced therapist, the client and counselor will developed a plan that is in the best interest of the client.
This sounds like hypnosis; will I be in control during this process?
EMDR is not hypnosis. It is essential in EMDR therapy for the individual to remain fully alert and oriented throughout the process.
How do you know EMDR Therapy works?
At Coherence Associates, our EMDR clinicians have a lot of experience, and with their clients, will be able to assess the progress of EMDR Therapy. The early signs of success include improved sleep and daily mood. Less irritability and a sense of lightness. Often a decrease frequency and intensity of flashbacks will occur or they will completely stop.
If a client has processed a negative life experience, they will find it easier to talk about, feel less emotional charge on the memory and have a new perspective of how they grew through it. Following EMDR Therapy Clients report an enhanced overall sense of well-being.
Additionally, the validity and reliability of EMDR Therapy has been rigorously researched. EMDR Therapy has been rated in the top 3 evidence-based treatments for PTSD. The American Psychological Association (APA), Department of Defense, Veterans Administration, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, and insurance companies all recognize the effectiveness of EMDR Therapy.
Many people call EMDR “magic” we call it great therapy!
For more information about EMDR Therapy visit:
https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/
https://www.emdria.org/publications-resources/francine-shapiro-library/