Eye Movement Desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is a psychotherapy modality designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain. These memories can be “triggered” in our everyday lives causing us to “react” in a way that doesn’t feel like we are in control. It affects how we feel in our body, the thoughts in our mind and the feelings we have about ourselves, others and the world around us.

For many clients, EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than other psychotherapies. It often doesn’t require talking in detail about the distressing issue, which can be very important so as to not re-traumatize the client. EMDR therapy allows the brain to resume its natural healing process.

“Our brains have a natural way to recover from traumatic memories and events. This process involves communication between the amygdala (the alarm signal for stressful events), the hippocampus (which assists with learning, including memories about safety and danger), and the prefrontal cortex (which analyzes and controls behaviour and emotion). While many times traumatic experiences can be managed and resolved spontaneously, they may not be processed without help.

Stress responses are part of our natural fight, flight, or freeze instincts. When distress from a disturbing event remains, the upsetting images, thoughts, and emotions may create feelings of overwhelm, of being back in that moment, or of being “frozen in time.” EMDR therapy helps the brain process these memories and allows normal healing to resume. The experience is still remembered, but the fight, flight, or freeze response from the original event is resolved.”

EMDRIA.org

EMDR also works well with other therapeutic practices for trauma like Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic practices that work towards helping the client feel “safe” in their body, and polyvagal theory (to retrain the nervous system).

Glenda is trained in EMDR from an EMDRIA consultant and is working towards higher-level certification. She is also trained in The Flash Technique, Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy (DNMS), Rewiring the Addicted Brain, and using EMDR virtually.

When considering EMDR there is a suggested commitment of 6-8 sessions to begin to ensure we can work through the full process and memories. When working with memories you do not have to remember the full details, it can be from a single or repeated incident.

If you have a therapist/counsellor that you are currently working with but would like to do EMDR with a specific incident/memory, EMDR can be used in conjunction with regular therapy. You can maintain your current therapeutic relationship.

If you are considering EMDR therapy, please set up a free 30 min consultation.