Santa Barbara
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EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist and Approved Consultant

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a psychotherapy that has been shown to be effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions. EMDR therapy was first developed in the 1980s by Francine Shapiro, PhD.

EMDR therapy works by helping people to process traumatic memories in a way that allows them to let go of the associated negative thoughts, images, emotions and beliefs. During an EMDR session, the therapist will help the client to focus on a specific traumatic memory while they engage in a bilateral stimulation (BLS) activity. BLS can be done in a variety of ways. Most of my clients use self tapping or handheld tappers.

As the client focuses on the traumatic memory and engages in BLS, their brain is thought to go through a process of reprocessing the memory. This process allows the client to see the memory in a new way, without the same level of emotional distress.

Here are some of the benefits of EMDR therapy:

  • It is a highly effective therapy, with studies showing that it can be as effective as
    medication in treating PTSD.
  • It is a versatile therapy, and can be used to treat a variety of mental health conditions,
    including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and phobias.

Did You Know? EMDR for Peak Performance

EMDR therapy’s benefits extend beyond trauma recovery. It’s also utilized to enhance performance and achieve excellence in diverse fields such as the arts, business, athletics, and even your relationships.

Here are some of the steps involved in EMDR therapy:

  • History-taking. The therapist will use trauma informed history taking strategies.
  • Preparing the client. The therapist will then help you to prepare for EMDR by teaching you relaxation techniques and how to cope with any difficult emotions that may arise during the therapy. The preparation phase can vary in length, depending upon the complexity of trauma, attachment wounding, and degree of dissociation.
  • Assessing the target memory. The therapist will then help you to identify a specific traumatic memory that you would like to work on.
  • Processing the memory to adaptive resolution. During this phase, the therapist will help you to focus on the traumatic memory while engaging in BLS. The goal is to help you to process the memory in a way that allows you to let go of the associated negative emotions and beliefs.

EMDR therapy is an effective therapy that can help you to heal from trauma and other mental health conditions.

LEARN ABOUT OUR EMDR INTENSIVE THERAPY
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