What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) uses guided bilateral (left to right) eye movements to help the brain safely reprocess memories allowing the intensity of those memories to decrease and even go away completely. EMDR is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy that has proven to be very helpful for our clients. At Essential, we can customize EMDR to meet various sensory needs. As a result, many of our clients with Autism and ADHD have made significant progress with EMDR.
What to Expect from EMDR therapy
Bilateral Stimulation
Your therapist will guide you to focus on a distressing memory while listening to alternating tones, using tactile tapping or a video game controller.
8 Phase Treatment
EMDR is typically an eight-phase treatment that includes gathering your history, preparation, assessment, subjective body scanning, processing, and evaluation.
Voluntary
EMDR, including any prompts you may receive is completely voluntary. At Essential Counseling, we believe in consent (meaning no one should do anything they don't want to do or don't comfortable doing.
Memory Processing
Similar to REM (rapid eye movement) that occurs during sleep, the brain's natural healing mechanisms (similar to REM sleep), will allow you to process the "stuck" memory and replace any negative beliefs with positive, adaptive ones.
Relief
Relief from the following:
-Anxiety
-Panic Disorders
-OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
-Addiction
-Chronic Pain
-Post-Traumatic Stress​
What is the success rate of EMDR?
EMDR has a highly documented success rate, with studies showing that 77% to 90% of single-trauma victims no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD after just three to six 90-minute sessions. It is widely recognized as a fast, effective, and evidence-based trauma treatment