Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is an evidenced based, extensively researched psychotherapy method used to help people overcome distressing life experiences or challenges.
EMDR is different from other forms of talk therapy. Through bilateral Stimulation, the brain’s natural healing response is activated. Sometimes we can process stressful or traumatic events on our own. Other times it is helpful to have someone walk you through the processing in a way that helps facilitate a resolution. While memories are maintained after EMDR, the negative or distressing response is resolved.
Is EMDR for you?
How do you know if EMDR is right for you? Do you experience anxiety that seems to come out of nowhere? Do you experience increased stress when faced with particular events or situations? Have you experienced a distressing event or situation that you just can’t seem to shake? Do you struggle with performance anxiety? All of these issues can be resolved using EMDR therapy.
I work with people to determine if EMDR might be helpful as an adjunct to traditional talk therapy or on its own.
Some issues that EMDR can help resolve:
Anxiety, phobias or panic
PTSD and Traumatic Stress
Performance Anxiety
Grief and Loss
Sleep Disturbance
How does it work?
After working together to determine what the client wants to work on, the therapist and client will discuss more generally the disturbing event, issue or experience. The therapist will ask the client to come up with an image that represents the disturbance. Attention will be paid to body sensations, emotions and beliefs. The therapist will add a series of eye movements, sounds, or taps called Bilateral Stimulation. The therapist will ask the client to notice and report back any images, thoughts, feelings or body sensations that arise during the Bilateral Stimulation. This process is repeated until the disturbance is minimized. The therapist will then walk the client through a process of imagining a future response to the disturbance that is more positive.
In-person and teletherapy appointments available in Colorado and Wyoming.