EMDR Therapy Services

How EMDR Works

EMDR therapy is a unique and powerful approach to addressing unresolved trauma and emotional distress. In order to better understand its benefits and purpose, it’s essential to explore the various phases and components of EMDR therapy:

History and Treatment Planning: In the initial phase, the therapist and client work together to identify specific memories and experiences that have contributed to emotional distress or addiction. This phase involves a thorough assessment of the client’s history and the development of a personalized treatment plan.

Preparation: During the preparation phase, the therapist helps the client develop coping strategies and resources to manage emotional distress during the EMDR sessions. This may include teaching relaxation techniques, grounding exercises, or other tools to enhance emotional regulation.

Assessment: In this phase, the client identifies a target memory or experience to focus on during the EMDR session. They then identify the negative belief associated with the memory, as well as a preferred positive belief to replace it. The therapist assesses the intensity of the client’s distress and the strength of the positive belief.

Desensitization: The therapist uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones, to help the client process the target memory. As the client attends to the memory and the bilateral stimulation, the brain begins to reprocess the memory, leading to a reduction in emotional distress.

Installation: After the desensitization phase, the therapist guides the client to strengthen the preferred positive belief associated with the target memory. This helps to replace the negative belief and promote adaptive thinking patterns.

Body Scan: The therapist asks the client to focus on any residual physical sensations related to the target memory. If any discomfort is present, the therapist uses bilateral stimulation to help the client process and release the sensations.

Closure: At the end of the session, the therapist ensures the client feels stable and grounded. They may review coping strategies and resources to help the client manage any lingering emotions between sessions.

Reevaluation: In subsequent sessions, the therapist and client review progress and reassess treatment goals. This phase helps to ensure that the client is experiencing lasting benefits from EMDR therapy.

By working through these phases, EMDR therapy helps clients process unresolved trauma, reduce emotional distress, and develop more adaptive thinking patterns. As a result, individuals experience a range of benefits, including improved mental health, increased self-esteem, enhanced emotional regulation, and greater resilience in the face of life’s challenges.