EMDR is a powerful technique that should only be administered by a fully trained and certified EMDR therapist.
As a fully trained and certified EMDR therapist, I have used this technique very effectively for a wide range of problems including anxiety, depression, traumatic incidents, phobias, panic attacks, chronic pain, low self-esteem, performance anxiety, stage fright, recovery from childhood abuse and more. An added benefit is that it sometimes diminishes the time needed in therapy.
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It works because it uses a natural sleep function of the body, REM (rapid eye movement). We all use REM sleep as a way to process daily emotional experiences, and usually, this natural body function works well. However, sometimes when we experience an emotional event that is too overwhelming the REM sleep process breaks down and the event is not processed properly. We are left with an unprocessed emotional event that causes us continued emotional distress and stress. When REM sleep breaks down, EMDR steps in to continue the needed REM processing to resolution.
When the memory is fully processed it is re-experienced in a new way. This technique makes it possible to gain the self-knowledge and perspective that will enable you to choose your actions rather than feeling powerless over your reactions.
My expertise allows me to safely direct you through the entire process until you are feeling less troubled about the event and ultimately at peace.
It is very important that you work with a fully trained and certified EMDR practitioner.
A Certified EMDR therapist has completed an EMDRIA approved training program which is rather rigorous in nature. They have conducted a minimum of 50 clinical sessions, have received 20 hours of consultation by an EMDR expert, and must complete 12 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
Successful treatment depends upon the competence of the clinician. In the hands of a skillful, experienced therapist, it can be a powerful tool for healing. However, the same tool in the hands of a less skillful therapist may not be helpful and can be harmful.
Emotional Trauma can occur from any situation that makes us feel unsafe, intensely shamed, fearful, or powerless.
Some examples of common traumatic events are:
- Physical Assault
- Sexual Assault
- Car Accident
- Medical or Dental Procedures
- Physical Abuse in Childhood
- Emotional Abuse in Childhood
- Sexual Abuse in Childhood
- Bullying
However, emotional trauma can occur from many other types of situations that overwhelm us emotionally.
When we experience an emotional trauma our brain remembers the sounds, smells, images, and sensations of the event. If the trauma remains unprocessed, the primitive part of our brain overreacts to any future situation that reminds us of the original traumatic event.
These overreactions can be debilitating. They can cause depression and anxiety. They can keep us from being intimate in relationships or can develop into phobias or can cause us to have large emotional reactions to people or situations that don't warrant it.
EMDR and Talk Therapy are particularly helpful for healing trauma.
If you've experienced trauma from your past that has not been processed, it is likely affecting your present ability to enjoy your life.
You don't have to continue living like this - call me for an appointment so I can help you heal from your trauma.
Anxiety can be debilitating. It can prevent you from functioning at your full capacity. Many times people feel anxious and don't even know why. Often the anxiety is a response to past traumatic events and/or holding uncomfortable feelings inside.
Those who live with anxiety often find themselves visiting the doctor for anxiety-related physical ailments (more than half of all problems presented to physicians are anxiety-related). Anxiety tends to cause excessive worry (about real or imagined problems), fatigue, and avoidance of life's pleasures.
The way to alleviate anxiety is to uncover and understand the underlying feelings. This will allow you to express your emotions in a healthier way rather than through anxiety.
If you're living with anxiety it can feel really awful. You don't have to continue living like this.
Call me for an appointment so I can help you start living again.
We all feel sad sometimes. Sadness is a normal part of our range of emotions. Sometimes when sadness lingers for long periods of time or feels bigger than it should given the situation, it can really interfere with our day-to-day functioning.
When sadness crosses the line to depression we can experience some or all of the following: a general lack of interest in everyday activities, chronic fatigue, withdrawal from our social and family network, difficulty making decisions, sleep disturbance, anxiety, irritability, problems with concentration, changes in appetite, problems with concentration or memory, excessive self-blame, suicidal thoughts.
Feelings of depression often follow loss or trauma. In addition, a family history of depression, stressful lifestyle, and a tendency to hold feelings inside can also cause depression.
Depression can creep up on us without us realizing it. Often, we think if we ignore it, it will go away. It rarely goes away on its own. If you're feeling depressed it's important that you make an appointment to begin the road to healing.
