EMDR THERAPY
Heal from Trauma with
EMDR Therapy
A Powerful, Evidence-Based Approach To Processing Traumatic Experiences & Finding Relief
What Is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialized therapeutic approach designed to help people heal from the emotional distress caused by traumatic experiences.
Developed in the late 1980s, EMDR has become a widely recognized and effective treatment for trauma and PTSD.
At the Center for Healing & Personal Growth, we offer EMDR therapy as part of our comprehensive approach to trauma treatment. This powerful method allows individuals to process distressing memories in a safe, controlled environment without having to discuss them in detail or relive the trauma.
EMDR therapy is based on the understanding that when a traumatic or distressing experience occurs, it may overwhelm the brain's natural coping capacity. The memory becomes "frozen" in time, complete with the original images, thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. When triggered, these memories can feel as intense and overwhelming as when they first occurred.
EMDR helps the brain process these experiences by using bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements, taps, or tones) while you briefly focus on the traumatic memory. This process mimics what happens during REM sleep, when the brain naturally processes information, allowing painful memories to be integrated and stored differently in the brain.
WHAT TO EXPECT
EMDR Therapy typically involves eight phases of treatment:
✔ Assessment
Together with your therapist, you'll identify specific memories to target and their associated negative beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations.
✔ Closure
Your therapist will ensure you feel stable before ending each session and provide techniques to maintain that stability between sessions.
✔ History Taking
Your therapist will gather information about your background and identify treatment targets.
✔ Installation
Your therapist will help strengthen positive beliefs to replace negative ones associated with the traumatic memory.
✔ Desensitization
Using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or tones), you'll process the memory while noticing what comes to mind.
✔ Preparation
You'll learn coping techniques to handle emotional distress both during and between sessions.
✔ Body Scan
You'll observe any remaining physical tension related to the memory.
✔ Reevaluation
At the beginning of subsequent sessions, you and your therapist will assess progress and identify any new areas that need attention.
Each session typically lasts 60-90 minutes, and the number of sessions needed varies based on individual needs and the complexity of the trauma.
Goals of EMDR Therapy
The primary goals of EMDR therapy include:
✔ Reducing the vividness and emotional intensity of traumatic memories
✔ Developing more adaptive coping strategies
✔ Increasing self-esteem and self-efficacy
✔ Decreasing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression related to trauma
✔ Improving functioning in daily life
✔ Resolving current triggers that relate to past trauma
✔ Creating new neural pathways that allow for healthier responses
Our Approach to EMDR Therapy
At the Center for Healing & Personal Growth, our approach to EMDR therapy is trauma-informed, client-centered, and compassionate.
We create a safe space where healing can occur at your own pace. Our EMDR therapists are highly trained and experienced in working with various types of trauma, including childhood trauma, accidents, natural disasters, medical trauma, assault, and combat experiences.
We recognize each person's experience of trauma is unique, and we tailor our approach accordingly. We combine EMDR with other evidence-based techniques to provide comprehensive care that addresses your specific needs.
Throughout the process, we emphasize safety, empowerment, and choice. You remain in control of your healing journey, and we work collaboratively to ensure the therapy progresses at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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EMDR is not physically painful, though processing traumatic memories can bring up difficult emotions. Your therapist will teach you coping skills to manage these emotions effectively.
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The timeline varies for each individual. Some people experience significant relief after just a few sessions, while complex trauma may require longer treatment. Your therapist will discuss expectations based on your specific situation.
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EMDR has shown effectiveness for various traumatic experiences, including childhood trauma, accidents, assault, combat trauma, and natural disasters. It can also help with anxiety, depression, and other conditions related to adverse life experiences.
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Unlike some trauma therapies, EMDR doesn't require you to discuss traumatic memories in extensive detail. You'll need to identify and briefly focus on aspects of the memory, but detailed verbal recounting isn't necessary.
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Yes, EMDR often works well alongside other therapeutic approaches. At our center, we may integrate EMDR with cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, or other modalities to provide comprehensive care.
