You are not what’s happened to you.

EMDR Therapy throughout Arizona

You’ve tried and tried, but you still feel so stuck.

EMD…what?? Maybe you’re here because you are specifically looking for EMDR therapy, or maybe you’ve heard these weird initials and are curious what this is all about.

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, which may or may not help clear your confusion. Let’s demystify a little bit. EMDR is a type of therapy that, when done in the right way, can not only help you feel un-stuck but also allow you to discover true healing and break free from the heavy burden of past traumas, anxiety, or stress.

EMDR therapy is not your typical talk therapy. Here's why you should think about trying it:

  • Healing from Trauma. If you've been through traumatic experiences, EMDR can help you process those memories and lessen their impact on your life.

  • Taking Back Control. EMDR therapy empowers you to regain control over your feelings and actions, giving you the confidence to move forward.

  • Building Resilience. EMDR equips you with tools to handle life's challenges, making you more resilient and self-assured.

  • Whole-Person Healing. EMDR considers the connection between your mind and body, promoting an approach to healing that takes care of your overall well-being.

 “Every storm runs out of rain,
just like every dark night turns into day.”
-Maya Angelou

How EMDR therapy CAN HELP

What EMDR is and what it is not

What EMDR is:

  1. A Therapeutic Approach: EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a psychotherapeutic approach designed to help individuals process and heal from distressing or traumatic experiences.

  2. Evidence-Based: EMDR is considered an evidence-based treatment, with substantial research supporting its effectiveness in reducing symptoms related to trauma, anxiety, and stress.

  3. Structured Eight-Phase Process: EMDR therapy follows a structured eight-phase approach, involving history taking, memory processing, and the installation of positive beliefs, among other steps.

  4. Bilateral Stimulation: During EMDR, individuals focus on a distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, often through side-to-side eye movements, to reprocess and reduce the emotional intensity of the memory.

  5. Aids in Adaptive Coping: The goal of EMDR is to help individuals develop healthier perspectives and adaptive coping mechanisms for the emotional challenges associated with past trauma.

What EMDR is not:

  1. A Miracle Cure: While effective for many, EMDR is not a miracle cure. Results vary from person to person, and it may not work for everyone.

  2. Mind Control: EMDR does not involve mind control or manipulation. It is a collaborative process between the individual and the therapist.

  3. Memory Eraser: EMDR does not erase memories. Instead, it helps individuals process and reduce the emotional distress associated with traumatic memories.

  4. A Substitute for All Therapies: EMDR may not be suitable for every mental health issue. It is primarily used for trauma-related conditions and may not be the best choice for other mental health concerns.

  5. A Self-Help Technique: EMDR should be administered by a trained and qualified therapist. It is not a self-help technique to be done independently.

To summarize, EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that can help individuals process traumatic experiences and reduce the emotional distress associated with them. However, it is not a guaranteed solution for everyone, and it is not a substitute for other forms of therapy when they may be more appropriate. It should always be administered by a trained professional.

Frequently asked questions about EMDR therapy

FAQs

  • It absolutely does work! EMDR therapy is a well-established and evidence-based approach to healing from traumatic experiences and emotional distress. Extensive research and clinical evidence support its effectiveness in reducing symptoms related to trauma, anxiety, and stress.

    EMDR's success lies in its ability to help individuals reprocess distressing memories, making them less emotionally charged. It fosters the development of adaptive coping strategies, enabling individuals to regain control over their emotions and lead more fulfilling lives.

    While the effectiveness of EMDR may vary among individuals, countless people have found relief and healing through this therapeutic approach.

  • While eye movements are a key component of EMDR, the therapy typically doesn't start with eye movements right away. EMDR therapy generally follows a structured protocol, and it involves 8 phases:

    1. History-taking and treatment planning: In the initial sessions, we work together to gather information about your history, trauma, and current symptoms. We then create a treatment plan and discuss the goals of your EMDR therapy.

    2. Preparation: This phase focuses on establishing our therapeutic relationship, explaining the EMDR process, and teaching you relaxation and self-regulation techniques. This phase is really important and helps you develop the skills necessary to cope with potentially distressing emotions and memories.

    3. Assessment: I help you identify specific target memories or disturbing events that will be the focus of the EMDR processing. These events are the core of the therapy.

    4. Desensitization: This is the phase where eye movements, or other forms of bilateral stimulation (such as tapping or auditory cues), are introduced. You are asked to bring up the target memory while simultaneously focusing on the bilateral stimulation method we will have previously discussed. This helps to process the traumatic memories and alleviate associated distress.

    5. Installation: During this phase, I help you to replace negative beliefs about yourself and your experiences with positive beliefs or affirmations.

    6. Body Scan: You are encouraged to notice any residual physical tension and process any remaining distress.

    7. Closure: The therapist ensures that the client is feeling stable and grounded after each session. We may go over additional coping skills and relaxation techniques as needed.

    8. Re-evaluation: In subsequent sessions, we assess progress, identify any remaining issues, and continue processing as necessary. It's important to note that not all EMDR sessions will involve eye movements. Bilateral stimulation is introduced when you are ready, and it's part of the desensitization phase. The timing and specific techniques used may vary based on your individual needs and my clinical judgment. I will guide you through the process and decide when it's appropriate to introduce eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation.

  • Yes!! EMDR therapy can be conducted online through telehealth or virtual therapy sessions. Many mental health professionals have adapted our practices to provide therapy services through secure video conferencing platforms. Online EMDR sessions can be very effective when you are in the comfort of your own space, and you don’t have to commute when the session is over, allowing you to calm and ground your nervous system more quickly.

    As with all telehealth sessions, you should have a private space, reliable internet connection and a computer or smartphone with a camera and microphone.

  • Take that essential first step and request a free consultation. We can talk about whether we may be a good fit and how ready you may be to commit to your own well-being. Learn more

 Discover the transformative power of EMDR therapy, a unique approach that supports you in processing and letting go of emotional burdens, making room for a brighter future.