EMDR can be an ideal treatment approach for many patients as it has the potential to reduce suffering and treat disorders in fewer sessions than traditional approaches. EMDR is often well tolerated. Unlike other trauma-focused treatments, EMDR allows patients to work through painful memories on a neurological level. EMDR assumes that the brain has its own mechanisms for healing and the therapist acts as a guide who helps to remove barriers to allow the brain to access its own healing capabilities.
EMDR utilizes bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping, to support processing of information into more adaptive networks in the brain. Eye movements simulate naturally occurring processing that happens during REM sleep.
When we sleep, our brains process information taken in throughout the day and makes connections to working networks. EMDR utilizes the body’s natural processing system and utilizes it to produce healing within the neural networks. Our providers utilize Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR (SAFE). The SAFE approach explores the somatic experiencing (stored body responses) and unmet attachment needs to better understand the learned stress responses based on a person’s basic innate needs to feel safe, feel connected, and stay empowered. Therapists explore adaptations in the brain related to meeting these basic needs and help the client to develop resources which will support the healing processes. EMDR is often utilized for processing trauma and has also been utilized to address other conditions to include the following:
- Performance anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Body dysmorphic disorders
- Painful memories
- Phobias
- Complicated grief
- Dissociative disorders
- Personality disorders
- Pain disorders
Current additional EMDR services include:
- ASSYST Crisis Stabilization for groups
- Equilateral Equine-Assisted EMDR
- Flash Technique
- EMDR Consultation to therapists for Certification
Please Note: ASSYST Crisis Stabilization Groups and Equilateral sessions are subject to additional fees. Please contact emilywilliams@evolutionofselfcounseling.org for more information.
