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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.
The holidays are often a complex time for many people. On the one hand, there is a sense of joy in the air, while on the other hand, sorrow and grief because of either a loss or dysfunctional family dynamic. The following are some ways you can deal with family trauma around the holidays. Have […]
The holidays are often a complex time for many people. On the one hand, there is a sense of joy in the air, while on the other hand, sorrow and grief because of either a loss or dysfunctional family dynamic.
The following are some ways you can deal with family trauma around the holidays.
It’s important to not isolate over the holidays. Being around loved ones who support and care for you can be a comfort. Having said that, you’ll also want to have a plan that will allow you to get away from crowds and holiday festivities when you feel yourself become triggered or emotional. This may mean you drive separately to an event so you can leave when YOU want and need. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries and stick to them.
The holidays mean everyone is supposed to ‘put on a good face’ and act merry and jolly, right? No. It’s important to really feel your feelings, not ignore them or pretend they don’t exist. We can only heal from trauma by facing the full extent of our darkness. If you had plans to spend time with loved ones but suddenly feel angry, overwhelmed, anxious or depressed, do not deny these feelings and try to put on a good face so others have a good time. It’s better to gracefully bow out of the plans and be 100% genuine with your feelings.
When we relive our trauma and deal with big emotions, it’s easy to let self-care slip and eat poorly, drink too much and get far too little sleep. Dealing with trauma takes energy and mental clarity, and that will require you to treat your heart, mind, AND body with gentleness and care.
You may also want to speak with someone during this time. A therapist can help you navigate your feelings and offer coping strategies. If you’d like to explore treatment options, please feel free to call or email me.
SOURCES:
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/
Each year in this country millions of children are the victims of child abuse at the hands of parents, guardians and other adults. Whether this abuse is physical, sexual, verbal or emotional, it can leave scars on their heart and psyche for many years. Here are just some of the long-term effects of child abuse […]
Each year in this country millions of children are the victims of child abuse at the hands of parents, guardians and other adults. Whether this abuse is physical, sexual, verbal or emotional, it can leave scars on their heart and psyche for many years.
Here are just some of the long-term effects of child abuse on adult survivors:
Forming Healthy Bonds and Relationships
The lingering effects of childhood abuse make it very difficult to trust others and form normal, healthy connections. Survivors may find it particularly difficult to maintain successful romantic relationships as they may not be able to ever let their guard down and be truly vulnerable with their partner.
Developing Health Conditions
Childhood abuse can eventually take a toll on our physical health and wellbeing. In fact, an NIH study suggests that certain symptoms are common in abuse victims, particularly in women who experienced sexual abuse as a child. Symptoms range from back pain to eating disorders, nightmares, severe headaches and even fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.
A Lack of Confidence
All children should feel safe and secure growing up. In a normal, healthy childhood, a child can emotionally attach to one or more adults who make them feel safe and secure. But in a childhood where the individual suffered some form of abuse, they may never have been able to form trusting bonds with others. And a lack of these secure attachments can negatively impact our ability to interact with the world around us as adults.
If you’re an adult who survived childhood abuse, there is help out there for you. While you cannot change the past, you can heal from the trauma so you can change your present and future.
If you would like to explore treatment in a safe and secure setting, please reach out to me. I am here to provide the tools and safe space in which to explore and process your trauma. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and you can have the amazing life you know you deserve.
SOURCES:
https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/features/what-to-know-adult-survivor-child-abuse
https://www.okrehab.org/mental-health-guide/how-child-abuse-affects-adult-survivors/
https://www.stepupformentalhealth.org/how-the-effects-of-child-abuse-can-impact-us-as-adults/
Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) What Is It and How Is It Treated? C-PTSD is caused by ongoing trauma which a person may have experienced for months or years, while PTSD may be caused by a single traumatic event. Examples of C-PTSD may include: Childhood Abuse and Neglect Domestic Violence Sexual Abuse Torture, […]
Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD)
What Is It and How Is It Treated?
C-PTSD is caused by ongoing trauma which a person may have experienced for months or years, while PTSD may be caused by a single traumatic event.
Examples of C-PTSD may include:
Childhood Abuse and Neglect
Domestic Violence
Sexual Abuse
Torture, Sex Trafficking or Slavery
War
You may also be more likely to develop complex PTSD if you experienced trauma at a young age, you were harmed by someone close to you who you trusted, or
you were unable to escape the trauma.
Symptoms of C-PTSD may include:
Difficulty regulating emotions.
Low Self Esteem
A Pattern of Unhealthy relationships
Self-Critical Thoughts
Avoidance of Relationships
Difficulty Trusting Others
Remaining involved in unhealthy relationships
Difficulty managing emotions, resulting in angry outbursts or intense sadness.
Engaging in high-risk behaviors
Self-harming behaviors
Feelings of hopelessness or emptiness
Extreme startle responses
Disturbed sleep patterns and nightmares
Flashbacks
Intrusive, frightening thoughts
Hypervigilance, or always feeling “on edge.”
Loss of memory for parts of the traumatic events
Persistent feelings of fear, guilt, or shame
Persistent beliefs that other people are “bad” or that the world is generally unsafe.
How is C-PTSD Treated?
Psychotherapy is the main treatment for C-PTSD.
More specifically, the treatment approaches most often used in the treatment of C-PTSD are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT, Exposure Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing or EMDR.
Trauma Focused CBT involves learning how your body responds to trauma and stress, learning how to manage symptoms and identifying and reframing thinking patterns.
Exposure Therapy is used to slowly encourage people with C-PTSD to enter situations that cause them anxiety and to learn to stay in that situation using healthy, positive coping strategies.
EMDR incorporates elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with bilateral eye movements or other forms of rhythmic, left-right stimulation.
The strong emotions you experience during a traumatic event can interfere with your ability to completely process the event.
When triggered, these memories can interfere with your daily functioning, change the way you see yourself and the world around you, and impact how you relate to others. EMDR therapy appears to work by directly affecting the brain and traumatic memories, allowing you to resolve them.
During EMDR treatment, you are asked to think and talk about memories, triggers, and painful emotions related to your trauma. At the same time, you focus on a form of bilateral stimulation (eye movements or tappers).
Over time, you’re able to work through the disturbing memories and associated feelings. The memory is still there, but it is less upsetting.
Some experts have noted that the eye movements involved in EMDR might be likewhat occurs naturally during dreaming or rapid eye movement sleep. It allows you to see experiences in a new and less distressing way.
If you feel you could benefit from further support and counseling consider finding a qualified therapist you trust who can help you manage your mental health.
Carol Van Kampen, LMSW
Carol Van Kampen, LMSW is an individual private practice psychotherapist who specializes in anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma treatment at Marsh Psychology Group. Carol is EMDR trained. Contact her at marshpsychologygroup.com
EMDR-Phases 3&4 Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, commonly known as EMDR, is a mental health therapy approach that works to reduce distressing emotions that are linked to traumatic memories. EMDR treats the mental health conditions, often anxiety, depression or other symptoms, which occur because of the memories we have stored from these traumatic […]
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, commonly known as EMDR, is a mental health therapy approach that works to reduce distressing emotions that are linked to traumatic memories. EMDR treats the mental health conditions, often anxiety, depression or other symptoms, which occur because of the memories we have stored from these traumatic events.
In my first article on the phases of EMDR we looked at Phases 1&2-Client History/Treatment Planning and Preparation. Now we will look at Phases 3&4-Assessment and Desensitization.
Phase 3- Assessment
In phase three the client and therapist will work together to identify
the target memory that triggers emotional distress. This includes what incident caused the trauma? (Was it sexual assault, an accident, the death of a relative etc.?),and what is the most consistent image associated with the memory?
The first step is for the client to select a specific image or mental picture from the target event that best represents the memory. Then the client chooses a statement that expresses a negative self-belief associated with the event. Common negative cognitions could be statements such as, “I am helpless,” “I am worthless,” “I am unlovable,” “I am dirty,” “I am bad,” etc.
During phase three of EMDR therapy, a positive belief is also chosen to help counteract the negative emotions caused by the trauma. The client will pick a positive self-statement that he would rather believe. This statement could be “I am worthwhile/lovable/a good person/in control” or “I can succeed.”
The therapist will then ask the person to estimate how true the positive belief feels using the 1-to-7 Validity of Cognition (VOC) scale. “1” equals “completely false,” and” 7″ equals “completely true.” It is important to give a score that reflects how the person “feels,” not” thinks.”
During the Assessment Phase, the person identifies the negative emotions (fear, anger) and physical sensations (tightness in the stomach, headache) he or she associates with the target. The client also rates the level of disturbance, but uses a different scale called the Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUD) scale. This scale rates the feeling from 0 (no disturbance) to 10 (worst) and is uses this score to assess the disturbance that the client feels throughout the processing.
The goal of EMDR treatment, is for SUD scores of disturbance to decrease while the VOC scores of the positive belief to increase.
Phase 4- Desensitization
Phase four is where the processing of the memory and negative beliefs takes place. The therapist will use some form of Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) to stimulate the mind/brain to process whatever trauma is currently being held in the conscious mind. This usually involves instructing the client to follow hand movements back and forth or hold tappers in each hand.
After a number of eye movements or other form of BLS occur, the therapist will stop and ask, “What are you noticing now?” The client will comment in just a few words what they are noticing. This may be part of the memory, a feeling, or a body sensation. Most of the healing happens while the client is reviewing the memory with the BLS. The therapist will ask the client to continue by stating “Go with that”. The process then continues.
Depending upon the intensity of the response to the trauma, your therapist may adjust the length, speed and type of stimulation used to create the eye movements.
The therapist may have to “circle back” to the original memory multiple times depending on how deep or complex the trauma is, but the process remains the same. The therapist will keep asking the client to hold the memory and the belief and the feelings in mind, while also completing the BLS.
Eventually the memory will feel different. It will have less energy.
The therapist will keep offering BLS until the client is able to grade the memory at a much lower level of disturbance on the 1-10 scale, ideally at a zero –now the memory no longer bothers them. This is the goal of EMDR; to get the client from a point where the memory goes from 8 or 9 out of ten for intensity and unpleasantness, down to a 0-1 out of ten.
During reprocessing, maladaptively stored events are desensitized, integrated, and adaptively stored.
In my third and final segment of the phases of EMDR we will look at phases 5-8-Installation, Body scan and Re-evaluation.
If you have experienced trauma of any kind, and feel you could benefit from EMDR to reduce symptoms and to improve quality of life, feel free to reach out to me at Marsh Psychology Group.
Carol Van Kampen, LMSW is an individual private practice psychotherapist who specializes in anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma treatment at Marsh Psychology Group. Carol is EMDR trained. Contact her at marshpsychologygroup.com
cvankampen@marshpsychologygroup.com
” https://marshpsychologygroup.com/carol-van-kampen-lmsw/
Resources:
https://www.emdria.org/public-resources/the-eight-phases-of-emdr-therapy/
EMDR Phase 1&2 Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, commonly known as EMDR, is a mental health therapy approach. EMDR treats mental health conditions that occur because of the memories we have from traumatic events in the past. In this article I will be addressing phases 1&2 of EMDR. I will follow up with an […]
EMDR Phase 1&2
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, commonly known as EMDR, is a mental health therapy approach. EMDR treats mental health conditions that occur because of the memories we have from traumatic events in the past.
In this article I will be addressing phases 1&2 of EMDR. I will follow up with an additional article addressing phase 3&4 and finally in my third and final article, I will address phases 5-7.
Phase 1: History and Treatment Planning
Phase 1 generally takes 1-2 sessions but can continue throughout the therapy process, especially if new issues are revealed. In the first phase of EMDR treatment, the therapist takes a thorough history of the client and develops a treatment plan. This phase will include a discussion of the specific problem that has brought him into therapy, the clients behaviors stemming from that problem, and the symptoms.
The therapist will assess the client’s readiness for EMDR. The client and therapist start toidentify possible targets for EMDR processing. These include distressing memories and current situations that cause emotional distress. Other targets may include related incidents from the past.
Initial EMDR processing often are connected to childhood events rather than to adult-onset stressors. Clients generally gain insight into their situations; the emotional distress resolves and they start to change their behaviors. The length of treatment depends upon the number of traumas and the age of onset.
EMDR therapy is most effective when a client feels a connection with the therapist – a sense that the therapist: 1. Has the client’s best interest in mind (that sense of ‘I’ve got you’): 2. Will help the client to feel safe: 3. Will help the client to feel grounded and present
A big part of Phase 1 and 2 is establishing this relationship between the therapist and client.
Phase 2: Preparation
For most clients this will take 1-4 sessions. For others, with a very traumatized background, or with certain diagnoses, a longer time may be necessary.
During the second phase of treatment, the therapist ensures the client has several different ways of handling emotional distress. The therapist may teach the client a variety of strategies and stress reduction techniques the client can learn and practice during and after sessions. In Phase 2 we are preparing for the worst. We are looking for the client’s ability to regulate, their ability to stay safe, and their ability to connect. We are investigating what they are currently doing and looking for any imbalance. In this phase we are making sure the client has all the tools and resources needed to begin the reprocessing of memories. We are looking for the dangerous issues and safety issues, as well as the annoying things and connection issues, that will impede the healing process. The therapist may talk about the Window of Tolerance and strategies to make your window larger.
Once a client can reduce emotional distress using the tools they were taught, they are generally able to proceed to the next phase
We want the client to get through the processing as quickly and safely as possible. We want to address all questions and concerns the client may have. The therapist’s task here is to understand what it is like to be the client as completely as possible.
An important goal of EMDR therapy is to make sure that the client can take care of him or herself.
In my next article on EMDR, we will look at phases 3&4.
Carol Van Kampen, LMSW is an individual private practice psychotherapist who specializes in anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma treatment at Marsh Psychology Group. Carol is EMDR trained. Contact her at marshpsychologygroup.com
cvankampen@marshpsychologygroup.com
” https://marshpsychologygroup.com/carol-van-kampen-lmsw/
Sources:
https://www.emdria.org/public-resources/the-eight-phases-of-emdr-therapy/
Image: https://britishpsychotherapy.co.uk/emdr-2/
You know you got your hairline from your Dad’s side of the family and your eye color from your mom. You know diabetes runs in your family, as does heart disease and Parkinson’s. But do you know that many families also pass down trauma to their loved ones? It’s not just our physical makeup and […]
You know you got your hairline from your Dad’s side of the family and your eye color from your mom. You know diabetes runs in your family, as does heart disease and Parkinson’s.
But do you know that many families also pass down trauma to their loved ones? It’s not just our physical makeup and risk of disease that we inherit from our family, it is also the emotional wounds as well.
Before you were born you were in your mother’s womb and very susceptible to her emotions. As your mother felt joy, her body released hormones that made you feel joy.
When she felt sad, scared, or angry, her body released hormones that made her experience these same emotions.
Eventually, you were born and raised in a house that may not always be happy or harmonious. Your parents may have been emotionally distant or even abusive because they may have been brought up by parents who had their own reasons for being emotionally absent or abusive.
Many families have unresolved trauma that works its way through one generation to the next. Those families who have dealt with addiction, depression, anxiety, terror, racism, and the like, often continue to pass on negative emotions, poor behaviors, low self-esteem, and maladaptive coping strategies. These not only lead to a painful and hard life, but they can also lead to chronic health conditions.
If you have a history of family conflict or trauma, you can be the individual who puts an end to the cycle. You can be the one who begins a new cycle, one of passing down loving communication and positive self-images.
Of course, it will take work on your part to overcome the pain of your family history. That’s why it’s a good idea to work with a mental health professional who can offer you the right tools and coping strategies that you can then pass down to your own children.
If you’re interested in exploring therapy, please get in touch with me! I’d love to help you end the cycle of trauma in your family.
SOURCES:
Many of us grew up in households that were dysfunctional, where boundaries between parents and adults were blurred in unhealthy ways. Emotional incest is not of a sexual nature, but it does describe unhealthy emotional interactions between adults and children that are psychologically inappropriate. What this looks like in a real-life is a parent treating […]
Many of us grew up in households that were dysfunctional, where boundaries between parents and adults were blurred in unhealthy ways. Emotional incest is not of a sexual nature, but it does describe unhealthy emotional interactions between adults and children that are psychologically inappropriate.
What this looks like in a real-life is a parent treating their child as a partner, relying on them for emotional support and care. Here are some of the classic ways parents cross this line:
When a parent turns to their child for advice about marital issues, sexual problems, financial worries, etc. this blurs the boundaries and causes the child to feel anxiety they should not be privy to.
Narcissistic parents often look to their children to give them a much-needed ego boost. With the parent’s ego being a priority, the child’s emotional needs take a backseat.
A parent should never be best friends with their child as this results in many boundaries being blurred. And a child should never be a trusted confidante to their parent.
Parents that turn to their child for comfort during an emotional crisis rob the child of learning age-appropriate socialization. These children will, most likely, grow into codependent adults, seeking approval from others by taking care of THEIR emotional needs.
Emotional incest is sometimes called “covert” incest because while it’s not sexual, the outcomes of this family dynamic are often similar.
When a child grows up and leaves the unhealthy environment and dynamic, that does not mean they won’t experience any lasting repercussions. Most adults will suffer from at least one of the outcomes I just listed.
The good news is, through counseling, victims of emotional incest can heal and live a healthy and satisfying life filled with strong emotional connections.
If you believe you are suffering from lingering effects of emotional incest and would like to speak to someone who specializes in this area, please reach out to me.
SOURCES: