EMDR

If you have a phobia, have experienced a traumatic event, have PTSD, have an anxiety or depressive disorder than EMDR may be right or you. EMDR also works for children, teens and adults of any age. EMDR can be done in person or via telehealth as long as the bilateral stimulation piece is being implemented. 

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (BLS) to activate both sides of your brain. When this happens it activates our emotional processing which is the same thing that happens during REM sleep when we are dreaming. Through the use of BLS and activation of emotional processing you will be able to let go or reduce the emotional connections we have to the trauma and/ or triggers. 

EMDR is a stand alone therapy that can focus solely on the processing of trauma. There is not a set time or standard session limit because each person and their experience with processing is different. 

EMDR is an evidence based practice by Dr. Francine Shapiro. There are a large amount of studies and research to back up its effectiveness. The only potential downfall is some irritation or discomfort in between sessions during processing but this does not happen to everyone. Your therapist will go over all the criteria and check in with you regularly during EMDR processing as well as prepare you with EMDR resourcing and coping skills before hand. 

EMDR will largely rely on how willing you are to be vulnerable and open with your therapist. The sooner you are able to unearth the deeply hidden pains from your past, the quicker your therapist can guide you in healing from them. The good thing with EMDR is you do not need to share all the details and images of the trauma. EMDR also uses scaling questions to monitor its effectiveness.