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EMDR ~
Frequently Asked Questions
How does EMDR work?
As far as EMDR's
mechanism for healing, no one is exactly sure. EMDR was
discovered by accident, and has been refined over time based on
numerous studies and its worldwide use over the past few decades in
a wide variety of situations. EMDR uses bilateral (two-sided,
alternating) stimulation to help facilitate the apparent untangling
of neural pathways, and this was originally done with eye movements.
While many clinicians continue to use eye movements, it has been
determined that any sort of bilateral stimulation works just as
effectively.
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Ring the bells that can still ring.
Forget your perfect offering.
There is a crack in everything.
That’s how the light gets in.
Leonard Cohen
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EMDR seems to
have a direct effect on how the brain processes information, and
following a successful session, "normal" information processing
resumes so that one no longer experiences a disturbing memory or
event as if it were happening in present time. You still
remember what happened, but it isn't so distressing. One idea
is that the bilateral movement might be stimulating healthy channels
of communication between the right and left hemispheres of the
brain, and there is a similar appearance between what happens during
EMDR to what happens in the brain during REM (rapid eye movement)
sleep. While the reason for EMDR's effectiveness is unclear,
it seems to help people relate to disturbing psychological material
in a less distressing and more resourced way.
What does an actual session look like?
During the EMDR session, we identify a
specific problem as the focus for the session. The client
brings to mind the disturbing issue or event and all of the images,
sounds, sensations, feelings, beliefs, etc. that go along with it.
I initiate alternating bilateral stimulation (usually through
headphones or hand-held paddles which vibrate) as the client focuses
on the disturbing material and then simply notices whatever comes to
mind without censoring or directing their experience. There is
no right way to process information, and everyone does it uniquely.
We will continue with sets of bilateral stimulation until the memory
or situation is less disturbing and is associated with positive
thoughts and beliefs about oneself. During EMDR, many clients
experience intense emotions, but by the end of the session most
people report a significant reduction in the level of distress they
feel.
How long does EMDR take?
One or more sessions are needed for me
to understand the nature of the problem and to make sure EMDR is a
good match for your situation. I will also discuss EMDR in
greater depth and give you a chance to ask any questions you might
have. Once we've both agreed that EMDR is appropriate for a
specific problem, then the EMDR sessions may begin. The number
of sessions will vary greatly depending on factors such as the type
of problem and the amount of previous trauma present. The
actual EMDR session is generally 75 or 100 minutes, in order to
allow adequate time for processing.
Does EMDR really work?
Research studies have consistently
found that EMDR effectively eliminates or decreases the symptoms of
traumatic stress for most clients, and clients often report
improvements in other related symptoms, such as anxiety, as well.
While EMDR has been researched most extensively for its use with
trauma-related symptoms, clinicians report success using the method
for a wide variety of psychological concerns, and it continues to be
an active subject of research. EMDR has been recommended for
use by the American Psychiatric Association, the U.S. Department of
Veteran Affairs, and numerous national and international health and
government agencies. References and a research bibliography,
as well as much more information on EMDR, can be found on the
website for the EMDR International Association,
www.emdria.org.
What kind of problems can EMDR treat?
EMDR has been established
scientifically as an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress.
Many clinicians report success using EMDR as a treatment for:
- panic attacks
- complicated grief
- dissociative
disorders
- disturbing memories
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- phobias
- pain disorders
- eating disorders
- performance anxiety
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- stress reduction
- addictions
- sexual &/or physical
abuse
- body dysmorphic
disorders
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How do I get started?
Call or email to set up an initial appointment or to ask
any questions you might have. Many people like to begin
therapy with me first and work together for a while before starting
EMDR, and others like to jump in right away. If you're not
sure, I'd be happy to help you figure out a good balance for you and
your specific needs and goals.
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