EMDR addresses the psychological and physical symptoms stemming from adverse life experiences. EMDR is not just for trauma; it is also used for performance enhancement, relationship improvement, increasing healthy self-esteem, and reducing negative symptoms connected to stress or distressing life situations. (See Therapy for Adult Children of Alcoholics for how EMDR therapy expedites the process of negative core beliefs becoming more adaptive and positive) Resources to learn about EMDR:
Twenty-four randomized controlled trials support the positive effects of EMDR therapy in the treatment of emotional trauma and other adverse life experiences relevant to clinical practice.
Seven of 10 studies reported EMDR therapy to be more rapid and/or more effective than trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy.
Twelve randomized studies of the eye movement component noted rapid decreases in negative emotions and/or vividness of disturbing images, with an additional 8 reporting a variety of other memory effects.
Numerous other evaluations document that EMDR therapy provides relief from a variety of somatic complaints.
If you've heard of EMDR or you're thinking EMDR therapy may be helpful (perhaps someone has suggested it to you), consider the following questions:
Have you ever endured one of the following in your lifetime:
Physical, mental, emotional, or sexual abuse?
Unrelenting symptoms of depression, anxiety, or panic attacks?
Involved in a car accident?
Experienced the loss of a loved one or friend?
Survived something scary or life-threatening in nature?
Dealt with severe stress/feelings of being overwhelmed?
Struggled with perfectionism or workaholism?
Watched someone close to you, or a stranger, experience something life-threatening or scary in nature?
Witnessed an accident of any type that was distressing or disturbing in nature?
Grew up in a dysfunctional family unit where your safety, security, and emotional well-being were compromised?
Dealt with insecurity, self-doubt, and difficulty with decision making?
Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, or powerlessness?
Relationship struggles and/or issues with intimacy?
Answering yes to any of the above typically indicates that EMDR therapy could be helpful for resolving uncomfortable, distressing, and/or debilitating symptoms you may be experiencing. EMDR is a type of therapy we use to help clients work through unresolved trauma, painful memories, distressing experiences, and/or negative core beliefs.
It's amazing how the brain and body know exactly what needs to be processed as a part of EMDR therapy. You are alert, awake, and in control with EMDR therapy (it's not hypnosis - I like to state this because many clients think they might be unconscious or in an altered state - this is not true! You are awake, engaged, and totally empowered with EMDR therapy) Email now to schedule your EMDR therapy complimentary consult phone call or to schedule your initial forty-five minute consultation session for EMDR intensives.
I have found EMDR therapy to be extremely effective for helping my clients overcome past trauma, negative core beliefs, shame, fear, and current struggles with depression and anxiety. Remember, there IS hope and healing IS possible!
I'm cheering you on and I look forward to hearing from you! - Brittni Harris-Kelchner, EMDR Certified Therapist [email protected]