About EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy

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Is EMDR right for me?

Individuals who have experienced trauma often find it difficult to think about having to talk “over and over the details of what happened” (this may feel re-traumatizing to some). Instead, effective trauma treatment can work to resolve the disturbing effects of trauma in other ways, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing- EMDR. This avoids the rehashing of old memories.

EMDR was developed in the late 1980's. More scientific research has been done on EMDR as a treatment for trauma (except for medications) than any other method. Clinicians using EMDR have found it to be a very effective tool in rapidly making progress. EMDR assists in a different kind of neurologic processing of traumatic information with better integration and perspective. Traditional treatment of trauma can at times lead to the reliving of that trauma, which can be overwhelming to the Client, resulting in unnecessary anxiety or simply overwhelm the individual. EMDR works to avoid this repetitive pattern.

Traumatic memories are fundamentally stored differently in our brain than the typical memories of daily living. Because of the way our minds store memories within traumatic situations, the past remains “alive” within us, and the past and the present can blur together with trauma re-livings, triggers, flashbacks, and other reactions. EMDR seeks to help unblur the past and the present, as well as to change how this traumatic memory is stored.

EMDR can be utilized to help strengthen confidence and resources, decrease the intensity of distress due to past trauma, and can address associated anxiety and depression.

To learn more about EMDR, visit the EMDRIA website.

Here is a short video explaining EMDR, courtesy of EMDRIA.

What training is required for counselors who are EMDR Certified?

The first level of EMDR training is Parts 1 and 2 of the EMDR Basic Training by an EMDRIA-approved training program. After I completed Parts 1 and 2, I felt deeply passionate about what the EMDR process could provide for my clients and took additional training via the EMDR Certification process. I am now EMDR Certified and engage in regular trainings and consultation to continue to sharpen my skills and provide top-of-the-line treatment to my clients.