Do you have any of these symptoms?
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Do you have flashbacks, nightmares or upsetting memories?
Do you worry about being alone and neglected?
Do you have panic attacks and feel on edge and frighten easily?
Do you feel confused by your past or by situations that happened, wondering you are to blame or if someone else was in the wrong?
Do you have a hard time being vulnerable and trusting others?
Do you experience depression and times of deep sadness?
Do you feel moody and irritated more often than you’d like?
Do you have a hard time coping with daily life and don’t know why?
Do you have intrusive thoughts or memories that leave you feeling distressed?
Do you want to focus on the present and future and resolve pains of the past?
The Face of Trauma
If you relate to any of the above, you are human. Most people experience some kind of trauma and feel confused or misunderstood. Sometimes when trauma happens, you remember it and can process it, and sometimes, years later a memory is kicked up due to stress in life, a certain relationship or even a sense of stability in your life, can trigger the memory asking for it to be processed so you can heal.
What Is EMDR?
EMDR is an acronym for the therapy method called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It was developed by Psychologist Francine Shapiro, in 1987. EMDR utilizes many elements from different treatment approaches and has been proven to be highly effective treatment for most emotional distress.
How Does EMDR Help?
Traumatic and upsetting memories and events that left us in deep pain, or emotionally neglected, get stuck and “frozen” in our minds and bodies. When a memory gets frozen it is stuck on “repeat” in our minds like a broken recording that repeats the same old words again and again. When we are stuck on repeat, it impacts our ability to function and to move on with life. What also happens is that you may feel sensations, worries or just feel stuck and not be able to develop health relationships, focus at work or take care of yourself in the ways you need. Your brain knows that you are safe and you’re ok, but another part of your brain doesn’t believe it and that’s why you’re struggling.
EMDR is the glue that helps connect the truth to what your brain and body believe. This helps the mind and body process past the pain and live into the here and now with calm and security. EMDR helps the brain process information so you can let go and move on. After having EMDR therapy, many clients feel relief by processing the past and being able to remember the memories without emotional disturbance; they can move on with their lives and use their energy to focus on daily tasks, goals and dreams.
Is EMDR only for Trauma? What else can EMDR be used for?
Though EMDR is most popularly known to treat Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, EMDR has been effectively utilized to treat a broader range of symptoms including:
- anxiety and panic
- stress
- phobias and fears
- depression
- complicated grief
- pain relief
- self-confidence and self esteem
- performance anxiety
- addictions
- relationship issues
- childhood emotional neglect
- shame and guilt
- resolving trauma memories and images
- fears of being alone
If you’re looking for relief, this can help you move past blockages and into living a more fulfilling life.
Is EMDR evidence based?
EMDR has been researched rigorously. The reliability and validity is well established and has helped over a million people. At this point in time, EMDR is the one of the most thoroughly researched modalities for trauma treatment. Right now, there are at least nineteen controlled studies to keep this innovative treatment up to date with research and outcome data of success.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) highly recommends EMDR as an established, effective treatment for PTSD.
How does EMDR help? EMDR employs a bilateral stimulation technique, most commonly using eye movements, although other methods like hand-tapping or auditory tones may also be used. This bilateral stimulation activates both sides of the brain, facilitating the reprocessing of traumatic memories and associated emotions. The goal is to shift distressing thoughts, feelings, and beliefs into more adaptive and positive ones, leading to resolution and emotional healing.
Why is EMDR effective? The effectiveness of EMDR can be attributed to several factors:
A. Dual Attention: The bilateral stimulation in EMDR helps individuals access and process traumatic memories while simultaneously remaining grounded in the present moment. This dual attention enables the brain to make new connections and integrate the distressing memories in a more adaptive way.
B. Adaptive Information Processing (AIP): EMDR taps into the brain's innate ability to process and heal from traumatic experiences. By facilitating the reprocessing of distressing memories, EMDR allows individuals to naturally move towards resolution and psychological growth.
C. Neuroplasticity: EMDR harnesses the brain's capacity to reorganize and rewire itself. Through the bilateral stimulation, EMDR helps create new neural pathways, allowing individuals to develop healthier perspectives, beliefs, and responses to traumatic experiences.
Conclusion: EMDR is a highly effective therapeutic approach for individuals who have experienced trauma or distressing life events. By utilizing bilateral stimulation and facilitating the reprocessing of traumatic memories, EMDR empowers individuals to heal, develop healthier perspectives, and reclaim their lives. If you are seeking a transformative therapy that can lead to emotional growth and resilience, EMDR may be an excellent choice for you. Contact me to discuss any questions you may have or to book in at 61 412106496 or send me an email at rolfe90@hotmail.com today to learn more and begin your journey towards healing and well-being.
1 session costs $200