EMDR

WHAT IS EMDR THERAPY?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma and other mental health issues. EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from several treatment approaches.

HOW DOES EMDR WORK?

EMDR therapy is an integrative psychotherapy and uses a technique called bilateral stimulation (BLS) to repeatedly activate opposite sides of the brain. Therapists often use eye movements (or tapping techniques with Telehealth) to facilitate BLS. It is not fully understood how BLS works, but the research clearly shows that it is an effective treatment. One theory is that BLS mimics the period of sleep referred to as rapid eye movement or REM sleep, and this portion of sleep is frequently considered to be the time when the mind processes recent events in the person’s life.

EMDR helps the brain reprocess the trapped memories in such a way that normal information processing is resumed. Therapists often use EMDR to help clients uncover and process self-beliefs that developed as a result of relational traumas, or childhood abuse and/or neglect and that are connected to current stressors or traumas. 

For a more detailed explanation please visit EMDR Institute, Inc., and/or EMDR Consulting (clinical organization that Erik Acuna received his training).

WHO DOES EMDR HELP?

EMDR had originally been established to help manage challenges experienced from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), though it has been proven useful in treating the following conditions:

• Panic Attacks

• Complicated Grief

• Dissociative Orders

• Disturbing Memories

• Phobias

• Pain Disorders

• Performance Anxiety

• Addictions

• Stress Reduction

• Sexual and/or Physical Abuse

• Body Dysmorphic Disorders

• Personality Disorders

I HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LISTED ABOVE, AM I STILL A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR EMDR?

Do you experience distressing emotions that appear to you and others as potentially excessive, given the current situation? Do you tend to be highly reactive to certain triggers? Is there one or more dysfunctional beliefs that you hold about yourself, that intellectually, you know are not true?

If so, you may still be a good candidate for EMDR therapy.

Contact us today for a free phone consultation to see if EMDR might help you release what no longer serves you.