EMDR Therapy

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What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a groundbreaking therapeutic modality designed to help individuals heal from trauma and emotional distress. Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR integrates aspects of cognitive-behavioral therapy with bilateral stimulation, typically through guided eye movements. This powerful approach enables clients to process distressing memories and beliefs, leading to lasting emotional relief and healing.

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

EMDR therapy involves a structured eight-phase approach:

  1. History Taking: The therapist gathers information about the client’s history and identifies specific traumatic memories to target during sessions.
  2. Preparation: Clients learn about the EMDR process and develop coping strategies to manage emotional distress.
  3. Assessment: The therapist helps clients identify negative beliefs associated with the traumatic memory and establish positive beliefs they want to adopt.
  4. Desensitization: Through bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), clients focus on the traumatic memory while processing associated emotions and beliefs.
  5. Installation: Clients reinforce positive beliefs, integrating them into their self-concept.
  6. Body Scan: The therapist guides clients in identifying and releasing any lingering physical tension related to the trauma.
  7. Closure: Each session concludes with a return to a state of equilibrium, ensuring clients feel safe and grounded.
  8. Reevaluation: In subsequent sessions, the therapist assesses the effectiveness of the treatment and addresses any remaining issues.

Benefits of EMDR Therapy

  1. Effective Trauma Resolution: EMDR is recognized as one of the most effective treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related issues.
  2. Rapid Results: Many clients experience significant relief from traumatic symptoms in fewer sessions compared to traditional therapies.
  3. Holistic Healing: EMDR addresses emotional, cognitive, and physical aspects of trauma, promoting comprehensive healing.
  4. Suitable for All Ages: EMDR can be beneficial for children, adolescents, and adults dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and more.

Who Can Benefit from EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy is ideal for individuals struggling with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges stemming from distressing life events. Whether you’re looking to process a specific traumatic incident or seeking relief from ongoing emotional distress, EMDR offers a pathway to healing and growth.

Get Started with EMDR Therapy

Unlock the potential for healing and transformation with EMDR therapy. We believe in your ability to overcome trauma and embrace a brighter future.

If you are ready to take the next step and would like to get connected with a therapist, email our Client Care Coordinator at Admin@traumatherapynashville.com. You can also complete this online prescreen and our Coordinator will reach out promptly!

Brainspotting vs EMDR: What’s the Difference? 

Similarities between EMDR and Brainspotting

  • Both used Brain-body somatic approach. 
  • Both techniques use Bilateral Stimulation. 
  • Both therapies require minimal talking in session. 
  • Both can help you process information stored in the amygdala. 
  • Both techniques help you to reprocess information. 
  • Both techniques are client centered and allow client to decide the issue. 
  • Both techniques are effective to treat past trauma, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, and many other issues. 
  • Both can yield quick results in few session compared to talk therapy. 
  • Both techniques can make you tired after the session and it is recommended that client take it easy for rest of the day or engage in self-care activity.

Differences between EMDR and Brainspotting

  • EMDR has a very specific protocol to follow. It can take a few sessions to start reprocessing past trauma. Brainspottingis flexible in its use and relies on the client’s attunement with the therapist. 
  • Brainspotting can be used within the first session, while EMDR is not recommended until the first 3 phases are completed, which can take a few sessions. 
  • EMDR can be tiring for your eyes while Brainspotting lets you change eye movement or close your eyes if needed. 
  • Brainspotting is highly adaptable to telehealth sessions and can be easily conducted by using any HIPAA secured video link. EMDR requires special tools or software to conduct, in addition to, a HIPAA secured video link.
  • EMDR is very structured and is trained to use as a stand alone modality. Brainspotting is trained as a therapeutic tool that can be blended with any other modality the therapist and client find useful to processing (Narrative, somatic, art therapy, IFS, body movement, etc)

While our therapists will provide their professional opinion about the approaches they believe will be most beneficial, clients are in charge of their treatment and dictate which modalities they prefer.

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