Trauma & EMDR

EMDR is a researched therapy, proven effective for the treatment of Trauma & PTSD.  EMDR has been given the same effectiveness rating as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in the treatment of chronic and acute PTSD (APA's 2004 Practice Guidelines).

I often hear "I KNOW it isn't true, but it FEELS true".  When your brain has not been able to properly digest material as a result of trauma, it is common to feel that disconnect between the head and the heart/emotions.  EMDR is one of the fastest ways to bridge this gap, reducing levels of disturbance. Following a successful EMDR session, you no longer relive the images, sounds and feelings when the event is brought to mind.  You will still remember the traumatic event, but it is less disturbing. EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs naturally during REM sleep. By facilitating directional movement of the eyes or other form of dual attention stimulation such as audio tones or physical pulsation device (most commonly on the hands), while addressing the traumatic memory, this physiologically-based therapy helps your brain to digest and store the traumatic material in a new way that is less distressing. 

Clinicians have also reported success using EMDR in treatment of conditions including:

• Complicated grief
• Dissociative disorders
• Disturbing memories
• Phobias
• Performance anxiety
• Stress reduction
• Sexual and/or physical abuse
• Personality disorders

EMDR therapy has been approved by the American Psychiatric Association, recommended by the World Health Organization, and placed in the highest category by The Department of Defense/Department of Veterans Affairs for all trauma populations.  EMDR is similarly recognized in the United Kingdom (Department of Health, 2001), Holland (2003), and Israel (2002).   Finally, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) designates EMDR as an effective treatment for posttraumatic stress (2000). 

 To learn more visit EMDR International or contact me directly at 306-540-5841.