Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a popular, fast, and effective form of psychotherapy designed to “unblock” traumatic memories and help you heal from disturbing events in your life.
Unlike other forms of therapy, EMDR does not require detailed discussions of past traumas, but rather allows the brain to heal naturally. Instead of simply closing wounds caused by trauma and mental health disorders, these wounds are transformed and the narrative surrounding the traumatic event becomes one of empowerment.
EMDR is helpful for children and adults who struggle with a variety of mental health issues such as PTSD, eating disorders, grief and loss, anxieties, and phobias. EMDR is not a medical procedure and is 100% safe. If you or a loved one is struggling with processing a disturbing event, contact IBH today to find out how we can help you learn to heal.
What can I expect from EMDR therapy?
- Your therapist will get a complete history of the trauma
- They will work with you to identify traumatic memories and areas of concern that need to be addressed
- Your therapist will have you focus on a certain experience while performing bilateral (right and left) stimulation of either taps, tones, or eye movements
- You will focus on clearing your mind and simply reacting to stimuli as they occur
- You should leave the session having released the negative memories and associations and replaced them with positive, empowering ones.
How do I know if EMDR will work for me?
The basis of EMDR is the body’s natural ability to process trauma and heal internally. For that to occur, you must be comfortable tolerating your own emotions. This form of therapy may cause emotional or even slight physical discomfort, a result of responding naturally to the therapeutic stimuli. It is important to speak with a therapist about whether EMDR is right for you.