EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

EMDR helps you process trauma.

This therapeutic approach is a highly researched, effective way of helping individuals work through trauma.

EMDR involves the client focusing on an upsetting thought while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation, which consists of alternate stimulation of the two sides of the brain. There are many ways of doing this, but two of the most commonly used examples are guided eye movement and alternately tapping the left and right sides of the body.

Bilateral stimulation allows the brain to process trauma and upsetting experiences with less strong emotion. Whatever has not been processed can wreak havoc with our minds, being, and self-esteem. And this is a safe kind of way to address these unprocessed traumas.

How does EMDR work in a session with me?

We sit comfortably across from each other, and I will ask you a series of questions that help prepare you to seek change. Together, you and I will examine how your brain has processed the experience and, among other things, address the question: “What is the negative belief about yourself that you took on during this upsetting experience?”

This is where so much of the most significant harm happened. We create a negative belief about ourselves when we have no perspective and no way of understanding what is happening.

Something very upsetting has happened, and in a stressful moment, we do the human thing and question ourselves. “How did I let this happen? What’s wrong with me?” How many of you have ever asked yourself those questions? It’s very human to do so, but in a time of intense trauma or upset, our brain doesn’t come up with helpful answers.

And in many cases of upset and trauma, you were young and had no idea of what was happening and its meaning. Even in later experiences, you were often in shock and had no time to figure out what was happening.

Choose to change.

Whatever trauma you’ve experienced, whatever challenges you face, it’s important to remember: What happened does not define you, and your thoughts and feelings about yourself don’t have to be permanent. There’s relief in realizing this!

That changeover leads to a more helpful and empowering question: “How would you like to see yourself? What’s the positive belief you would like to have about yourself?” This is so important because it allows you to see the event and yourself from a more mature and wise perspective, which you didn’t have at the time.

There are other questions and steps to the setup and the process, but these two are key aspects.

It is time to choose the change you want.

I support you throughout the EMDR process.

Part of the power of an EMDR session is the time spent in the setup, asking the right questions to solicit the positive change you want.

Another vital part is repeating the memory while using bilateral stimulation and experiencing the magic that happens in your brain when you start to see more clearly and feel empowered. Part of that magic also happens in your body as your feelings shift and lighten.

As your therapist, I am a witness and your guide. Once you start, the process takes on a life of its own.

EMDR offers hope.

Whatever upsetting or deeply traumatic memories may limit your feelings of well-being, there is hope.

EMDR is one of the most helpful ways of working with trauma. Help is available, and you deserve to free yourself of the pain and misunderstandings of any upsetting experiences that limit you or your feelings about yourself.

You can take the charge out of previously triggering upsetting experiences. Let’s talk about what might be bothering you and how you can lighten your life with a greater sense of well-being and bring a greater understanding and compassion for yourself and your experiences.

Now is a good time to act – call (207) 439-6600 for a free consultation or to schedule your first appointment. Let’s talk about what’s possible for you.