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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach designed to help individuals process and heal from trauma. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on reprocessing distressing memories to reduce their emotional intensity. By stimulating bilateral brain activity through guided eye movements, EMDR allows individuals to process traumatic experiences in a safe and […]
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach designed to help individuals process and heal from trauma. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on reprocessing distressing memories to reduce their emotional intensity.
By stimulating bilateral brain activity through guided eye movements, EMDR allows individuals to process traumatic experiences in a safe and structured way, ultimately diminishing their impact.
EMDR therapy is structured into eight phases, beginning with history-taking and preparation before progressing into memory reprocessing. During sessions, a therapist guides the client through eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones while recalling distressing memories.
This process helps the brain reprocess traumatic events, reducing emotional distress and altering negative thought patterns associated with the trauma. Over time, these distressing memories lose their hold, allowing individuals to heal and move forward with greater resilience.
EMDR is particularly effective for treating PTSD, anxiety, and other trauma-related conditions. Some of its key benefits include:
If you have experienced trauma and struggle with anxiety, flashbacks, or emotional distress, EMDR may be a suitable treatment. It is particularly effective for individuals who have difficulty processing trauma through traditional therapy methods. Consulting with a trained EMDR therapist can help determine if this approach aligns with your healing journey.
Trauma does not have to define your life. EMDR therapy provides an opportunity to process past experiences and regain control over your emotional well-being. Contact Marsh Psychology Group to schedule a consultation about our EMDR therapy and take the first step toward lasting healing.
Psychotherapy can be a powerful vehicle for personal transformation. By speaking with a trained therapist in a safe and confidential environment, a person has the opportunity to explore their inner world and gain an understanding of their behaviors. Research has now shown that individual psychotherapy can be highly effective at improving the symptoms of a […]
Psychotherapy can be a powerful vehicle for personal transformation. By speaking with a trained therapist in a safe and confidential environment, a person has the opportunity to explore their inner world and gain an understanding of their behaviors.
Research has now shown that individual psychotherapy can be highly effective at improving the symptoms of a wide range of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and OCD. It can also be beneficial for families, couples and groups.
More and more people are embracing the potential of psychotherapy in their life, but many are confused which is the right type for them. The following are some of the most common types of psychotherapy to give you a better idea of your options:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most used modalities in therapy. CBT is effective because it looks at the relationship between an individual’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors. It is a very empowering form of psychotherapy and works on a variety of issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and schizophrenia.
Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) has been used successfully for decades to treat PTSD. EMDR works by reducing the emotional distress that has been stored away in the brain from past traumas.
In each EMDR session, a trained therapist assists their client in performing a series of back and forth repetitive eye movements that essentially find the lingering traumatic emotions and disarm them.
Interpersonal Therapy
Interpersonal therapy focuses on improving the relationships an individual has with others. In these sessions the trained therapist helps their client evaluate their social interactions to recognize any negative patterns. Patterns can include social isolation and aggression. The goal is for the person to learn strategies for interacting positively with others.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of types of psychotherapy. But if you are interested in learning more about psychotherapy and would like to explore treatment options, I would be happy to speak with you. Please feel free to give my office a call.
SOURCES:
https://psychcentral.com/lib/types-of-psychotherapy
https://positivepsychology.com/types-of-therapies/
When the pandemic hit, many people began to work with their therapists online. But there were many skeptics who did not believe the benefits of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, also known as EMDR therapy, which is traditionally a hands-on therapy, could translate to online platforms. But as the pandemic unfolded and more and […]
When the pandemic hit, many people began to work with their therapists online. But there were many skeptics who did not believe the benefits of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, also known as EMDR therapy, which is traditionally a hands-on therapy, could translate to online platforms. But as the pandemic unfolded and more and more therapists began using EMDR therapy online, it became clear that this protocol was just as effective used virtually as it was in-person.
While anecdotal evidence has its place (and there is plenty of anecdotal evidence for online EMDR therapy), scientific research is now emerging that proves the effectiveness of EMDR therapy practiced online. One such study from 2021 is cited in this article.
If you know anything about EMDR, you know that it requires bilateral stimulation. Generally an EMDR therapist would facilitate the movement of their client’s eyes by moving their finger from left to right in front of the client’s face. However, this is not the only means to achieve bilateral stimulation. The client can actually be led to tap their shoulders or knees in a rhythmic sequence.
Thanks to platforms like Zoom, a therapist and her client can conduct face-to-face sessions and bilateral stimulation can still easily be achieved.
EMDR is a highly effective tool for helping individuals heal from trauma. EMDR can also be used successfully to treat anxiety, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias and more.
Though the pandemic is over, many of my clients choose to continue our EMDR sessions online. They find doing this work from the comfort of their own home helps them feel safe. Online sessions are always secure and confidential.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule your first session, please give my office a call.
SOURCES:
https://www.emdria.org/research/online-emdr-therapy-recent-research-and-overview/
https://www.bythewellcounseling.com/can-you-do-emdr-therapy-online/
https://emdrhealing.com/online-emdr/