Sophie J.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based, eight-stage psychotherapy method using bilateral stimulation to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life events.
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EMDR has proven to be effective in reducing the chronic symptoms which follow a traumatic event.
EMDR helps the two sides of the brain to communicate with one another, to process trauma in a way that leads to a peaceful resolution.
EMDR was initially developed in the late 1980s by psychologist
Francine Shapiro to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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EMDR therapy enables people to recover from symptoms caused by past traumatic experience.
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There are two types of trauma, big 'T' trauma - for example combat, rape, loss a of child - and little 't' trauma - daily negative childhood messages leading someone to grow up believing they will never be good enough.
EMDR can help you realise that the event is over, returning your body and mind to a less distressed state. EMDR focuses less on the source of stress or the traumatic event that precipitated it and more on the distressing emotions and symptoms associated with it.
What to expect?
EMDR treatment follows a structured eight-step protocol which include resourcing, processing and installation. It is a non-drug, non-hypnosis procedure, that focuses on a troubling memory or emotion while using bilateral stimulation.
Processing trauma requires a brief history taking which might trigger some emotional distress and discomfort. But since EMDR is not a traditional talk-therapy and does not require you to talk about the trauma in details, you might find it less overwhelming than other approaches used to treat trauma. Throughout the sessions, I facilitate and monitor safety and stabilisation as your brain attempts to heal. This often means learning healthy coping skills and emotion regulation strategies.
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While everyone's journey is different, 80% to 90% of people report positive results within their first three sessions.
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How often do I need EMDR therapy?
The number of sessions is dependent on the trauma that needs to be processed and whether EMDR is being used as a stand-alone treatment or as part of another therapy. Typically EMDR is delivered once per week for an average of 6-12 sessions.
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Are there side effects?
Please note that any form of effective therapy can potentially have side effects. Surfacing of upsetting memories, an increase in distressing memories, heightened emotions and physical sensations during sessions, feeling emotionally drained and vulnerable after a session. These symptoms will typically be addressed and resolved as treatment continues. You will also be given grounding and self-relaxation exercises to use during and outside of sessions.
EMDR can help with
anger management
anxiety
chronic pain
depression
eating disorders
negative thinking
panic attacks
phobias
PTSD
self-esteem
sleep disorders
and more...
We are not changing what happened -
We are changing the way it lives in us.
What are the benefits?
Effective for trauma recovery
Helps reduce anxiety, phobias and distress
Changes negative thinking
Improves confidence and self-esteem
Improves relationships
Improves focus and concentration
Improves sleep quality
Helps cope with grief
Does not require much talking
Fast results