What is EMDR

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy treatment that was originally created to ease the suffering and distress that can be associated with traumatic memories. The Adaptive Information Processing model postulates that EMDR therapy expedites and enables the processing and accessing of traumatic memories and other unpleasant life experiences to bring these to an adaptive resolution. After treatment, negative beliefs are reformulated, emotional distress is relieved, and physiological arousal is diminished. During EMDR therapy a patient will work with the trained therapist to identify several areas of work which will be done in brief sequential doses while at the same time concentrating on an external stimulus. Specifically, lateral eye movements directed by your therapist are the most commonly used external stimulus but a variety of other stimuli including audio stimulation and hand-tapping are often used with great success. EMDR therapy enables the accessing of the traumatic memory network, so that information processing is heightened, with new connections created between the traumatic memory and more adaptive information or memories. These newer connections are thought to result in the development of cognitive insights, elimination of emotional distress, new learning and complete information processing, EMDR therapy utilizes a three pronged technique: 

1. The past incidents and events that have laid the foundation for dysfunction are processed, creating new associative links with adaptive information.
2. The current set of conditions that provoke grief and suffering are targeted, and internal and external triggers are desensitized. 
3. Imaginal models of future events are integrated, to support the patient in attaining the skills needed for adaptive functioning.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) allows clients to gradually heal from the emotional distress and symptoms that are the result of unsettling life experiences.  Numerous medical publications and studies have shown that EMDR therapy helps clients experience the benefits of psychotherapy faster than if they were using talk therapy alone. In fact, many clients experience noticeable differences in their stress and anxiety levels after just a few sessions (although each client is unique and some may take longer than others to experience the benefits).  Clients also learning coping techniques as part of their therapy. It is important to note that severe trauma can require a longer treatment period before clients experience the benefits and relief the therapy can provide. Many who receive EMDR therapy learn that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma.  Often EMDR helps clients work through and process prior trauma so healing is possible.

EMDR is often performed by psychologists, therapists, and LCSWs (Licensed Clinical Social Workers). Using the detailed protocols and procedures learned in EMDR therapy training sessions, therapists help patients activate their natural healing processes. Morgan Center for Counseling & Wellbeing works with clients who suffering from the impacts of trauma as well those dealing with depression and anxiety. Jody L. Morgan, LCSW, CCTP, ACHT, is EMDR Certified by the EMDR International Association. This means he has completed a rigorous training program, and has been required to train under the supervision of another EMDR practitioner for a period of time. He has years of experience working with this treatment modality and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. 

If you have questions about therapy and counseling, call Morgan Center for Counseling & Wellbeing today and find out more about how we can help with EMDR Therapy. 561-717-2900 Morgan Center also offers convenient online booking. 

What is EMDR?

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