EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It was discovered by Francine Shapiro in the late 80s and has been rigorously evaluated for its effectiveness in the treatment of mental health issues. It is a particularly effective treatment for those who have experienced trauma.
PTSD
Childhood Traumas
Addictions & Substance Abuse
Stress & Adjustment Disorders
Anxiety Disorders
Phobias
Chronic Pain & Somatic Disorders
Performance Anxiety
Depressive Disorders
Grief & Loss
Eating Disorders
Self-Esteem & Self-Worth Issues
Unfortunately, not everyone is eligible for EMDR and it may not be effective for everyone. To assess your eligibility, you will be asked to fill out multiple psychological assessments.
EMDR therapy consists of 8 phases:
History and Treatment Planning: Your therapist will gather your history and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and experiences.
Preparation: The therapist will explain the EMDR process and teach you relaxation and coping techniques to use during and between sessions.
Assessment: You and your therapist will identify specific traumatic memories to target. You’ll focus on these memories while also noting any negative beliefs or physical sensations associated with them.
Desensitization: This phase involves the bilateral stimulation process, typically through guided eye movements, taps, or sounds. While focusing on the traumatic memory, the bilateral stimulation helps to reduce the intensity of the memory and its emotional impact.
Installation: Positive beliefs are reinforced to replace negative beliefs associated with the traumatic memories. For example, transforming “I am powerless” into “I am in control.”
Body Scan: You’ll be asked to observe any residual physical tension. The goal is to ensure that the traumatic memory has been fully processed without lingering distress.
Closure: At the end of each session, your therapist will help you return to a state of calm. They’ll provide techniques to manage any distressing emotions that may arise between sessions.
Reevaluation: At the beginning of each new session, the therapist will evaluate your progress and determine if further processing is needed.
For virtual EMDR therapy in South Carolina, visit my booking site to request your free 15-minute consultation or contact me at 803-291-0636 or jhowell@fhcservices.org.