EMDR

What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from different treatment approaches and often delivers significant results much more quickly than traditional talk therapy.

How does EMDR work?

EMDR therapy uses a technique called bilateral stimulation to repeatedly activate opposite sides of the brain while the client reprocesses a traumatic memory or a current negative belief. The goal is to make the client less emotionally reactive and triggered over time. Therapists can direct eye movements or use vibrating hand pulsers to facilitate this bilateral stimulation. This is a non-invasive technique that facilitates healing often much more quickly than traditional talk therapy.

Therapists often use EMDR to help clients uncover and process beliefs that developed as the result of relational traumas, or childhood abuse and/or neglect. For a more detailed explanation please visit EMDR Institute, Inc.

What does EMDR help?

EMDR had been originally established as helpful for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), although it has also been proven useful for treatment in the following conditions:

Panic Attacks
Complicated Grief
Disturbing Memories
Phobias
Pain Disorders
Performance Anxiety
Addictions
Stress Reduction
Sexual and/or Physical Abuse
Body Dysmorphic Disorders

None of the above symptoms or experiences fit you?

Do you experience distressing emotions that appear to you, and perhaps to others, to be excessive given the current situation? Do you tend to be highly reactive to certain triggers? Are there one or more dysfunctional beliefs you hold about yourself that on an intellectual level you know are not true?

If so, you may still be a good candidate for EMDR therapy.

EMDR practitioners participate in extensive training and supervision. Midwest Therapy Partners is pleased to have 2 clinicians fully trained in providing EMDR services on staff.

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