EMDR THERAPY
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR for Healing and Resolution
EMDR for Healing and Resolution is intended to fully process memories and anxiety-producing situations from the past, resolving present triggers, and readiness for handling future events. In successful reprocessing, the original, disturbing image is replaced with an altered image in such a way that the original image may no longer be accessed and, therefore, cannot be triggering. This stream is ideal if you have experienced abuse, bullying, or other trauma, have PTSD, phobias, or are wanting to return to work or drive after an accident.
How many sessions will I need? This is very individual but, in general, EMDR is a fast therapy. It takes roughly 30 minutes to 4 hours to fully reprocess a “target” – a single memory, fear etc. With Intensive Therapy, the amount of time you spend in therapy could very possibly be just a few days.
EMDR for Symptom Relief
EMDR for Symptom Relief is intended more reducing stress or trauma responses. Because sessions are shorter, full recovery from a long-standing anxiety or trauma condition is not aim. While EMDR was designed for 80-minute processing sessions, I designed this version mainly so that those with no insurance or limited insurance can still receive many of the benefits of this amazing therapy. You may benefit from this stream if you don’t want to work through childhood experiences (although this is still possible) or if you have specific goals you want to achieve (e.g., overcome a fear of flying or public speaking, getting over a breakup or affair, or desensitize the experience of receiving a serious diagnosis).
These are fast-moving sessions so if you need time to discuss your week and relax into the session, choose EMDR for healing and resolution.
EMDR for Healing and Resolution
-
($140 for the first 1-2 sessions for both streams)
Symptom Relief (RELIEF) Sessions 3+
-
($140 for the first 1-2 sessions for both streams)
-
Not sure which type is for you? Not to worry! Phases 1 and 2 of EMDR are identical for both streams. The first 1-2 appointment are usually standard 50-minute sessions.
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. Eye movements (or other bilateral stimulation) are used during one part of the session. After it is determined which memory to target first, the therapist asks the client to hold different aspects of that event or thought in mind and to use her eyes to track the therapist’s hand or a light bar as it moves back and forth across her field of vision. This rapid eye movement, which occurs naturally during dreaming, seems to speed the client's movement through the healing process.
Who is EMDR for?
If you have had something bad or distressing happen to you, you could benefit from EMDR therapy. EMDR can help resolve traumatic or distressing events that happen to mostly everyone at some point in our lives. Some examples include memories of being picked on, left out, depressed and disappointed. It also addresses memories of feeling or being neglected by our parents, spouse, or someone you looked up to or expected to receive validation, affirmation or love from. EMDR also effectively resolves memories of particular scary events in our lives such as car crashes, fires, crimes, and weather related events to name a few. Lastly, EMDR therapy resolves memories of things no person should have to go through including physical abuse, verbal abuse, and sexual abuse and assault.
EMDR can also effectively treat presently ongoing problems such as marital and sexual dysfunction, anxiety including anxiety related to school, business, sports, and public speaking, depression, eating disorders, negative body image and self-confidence, even migraines and phantom limb pain. These are just a few of the hundreds of symptoms and situations that EMDR has effectively helped people cope with and bring to a positive resolution.
What will an EMDR therapy session look like?
- You will be asked, through a set of questions, to access and activate the negative experience and the desired adaptive resolution.
- Sets of rapid eye movement (or other forms of bilateral stimulation) will be applied.
- You will be encouraged to just “free associate” and allow the brain to work through the experience
- Sets of eye movements will be alternated with brief reports about what you are experiencing.
- EMDR processing will continue until the past experience has been updated to an adaptive present perspective.
Using what you’ve learned:
Frequently Asked Questions:
No, it is not necessary to talk about all the details of your experiences for them to be processed.
Yes, you may- emotions and sensations may come up during processing, although you will be prepared and your therapist will help you safely manage them. Once they are processed they rarely come back!
No, during EMDR processing, you are present and fully in control.
EMDR, as with all treatment approaches, will help you accomplish your treatment goals.
The length of time that takes is dependent upon the complexity of your problems.
More Information
Research
World Health Organization (2013). Guidelines for the Management of Conditions That are Specifically Related to Stress. Geneva, WHO.
- Trauma-focused CBT and EMDR are the only psychotherapies recommended for children, adolescents and adults with PTSD.
American Psychiatric Association (2004). Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Acute Stress Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association Practice Guidelines.
- EMDR therapy was determined to be an effective treatment of trauma.
Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense (2004, 2010). VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Post-Traumatic Stress. Washington, DC.
- EMDR therapy was placed in the “A” category as “strongly recommended” for the treatment of trauma.
Client Stories
Get In touch
-
205 Victoria Street, Suite 6
Nelson, BC V1L 4K2 -
Monday - Thursday 10am - 8:30pm
Friday 10am - 6:30pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm
