EMDR or Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing uses bilateral (left side, right side) visual, auditory or tactile stimulation to process traumatic or overwhelming life experiences. We all have an innate ability to constructively process events in our lives, extract wisdom from what has happened and move on. However, when we experience an event that is highly distressing or life threatening this innate ability shuts down as our body moves to protect itself.
While this protective instinct is a very good thing, it also presents a problem. As rational thought stops, so does our ability to constructively process and adaptively integrate our experience. As a result, energy and emotion can get locked in our nervous system. Consequently, we can experience recurring and intrusive thoughts, dreams, emotions and physical sensations. It is as if the event is still happening. Even fairly benign situations or events can trigger an emotional reaction or physical symptom.
EMDR’s unique and highly structured application of bilateral stimulation can activate the brain so it can begin to process and integrate these locked memories in a more adaptive way. The memory may still be regarded as unpleasant, but it is no longer activating or triggering. And energy is freed up so you can more live more fully and with greater ease.
Originally developed by Francine Shapiro, PhD. to treat post traumatic stress, EMDR has been found to be effective in treating a wide range of issues including:
- panic attacks and phobias
- anxiety
- complicated grief
- medical procedures, surgeries and hospitalizations
- physical or sexual abuse
Contact me at 303-223-0727 to schedule a complimentary phone consultation to learn more.
The fee for a 50 minute session is $175.