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Eye Movement Desensitizing Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy |
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Eye Movement Desensitizing Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy in Syracuse, NY
Feeling hopeless about life because of past experiences? Feeling bombarded by traumatic memories?
Give Eye Movement Desensitizing Reprocessing Therapy a try!
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Are images, tastes, sounds and physical sensations from a traumatic event or memory overwhelming your body?
At Syracuse, NY Therapist, we use EMDR to support clients with processing and addressing traumatic memories and experiences hat may cause them distress in their day-to-day lives. We utilize EMDR to help our clients achieve their goals. In fact, this therapeutic technique has been proven, through research and by the World Health Organization, to be extremely effective and one of the most reliable forms of therapy.
EMDR has been proven to support issues such as:
- Feeling Stuck
- Relationship stress
- Self-sabotage
- Career Stress
- Anxiety or Phobias
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Changing repetitive behavioural patterns
- Recovering from traumatic events
- Low Self-Esteem
- Abuse (Emotional, Physical, Verbal)
- Shock or Loss in Adult Life
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (including sexual assault or abuse)
- Chronic Pain
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
What is EMDR Therapy like?
EMDR uses a process known as Bilateral Stimulation which can be achieved through controlled and rhythmic side-to-side eye movements. This stimulation accelerates the brain’s natural ability to grow, change and adapt. So, EMDR helps clients to process emotional pain and experiences, and helps them move from a state of distress to resolution, quickly.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) consists of a structured eight (8) phases as a part of its protocol. Each phase of the therapy are designed to help clients address and alleviate distressing symptoms. Although EMDR has structured phases, it is well known that advanced EMDR practitioners are very skilled at knowing how and when and if to make slight adjustments to the normal EMDR structure to best support clients who are dealing with complex issues.
Below is each phase of EMDR therapy and each serves a specific purpose within the overall therapeutic process:
- History-Taking and Treatment Planning - At this phase, the client shares their background and life experiences with the therapist. This information helps the therapist tailor the treatment plan based on the client’s individualized needs and circumstances.
- Preparation - During this phase, the therapist focuses on building trust the therapist and the client. The EMDR therapist also ensures that the client has the needed coping skills to manage any distress that arises from the process.
- Assessment - At this phase, the therapist and individual what distressing memories or experiences will be the focus of EMDR therapy
- Desensitization - This phase typically involves side-to-side eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues (bilateral stimulation) with the goal of the phase being processing and reducing the emotional charge associated with the traumatic memory.
- Installation - The client and the therapist will move to “install” positive beliefs or thoughts to replace negative beliefs ot thoughts that are linked to the traumatic memory.
- Body Scan - The EMDR therapist guides the client through a body scan from head to toe, to intentionally notice any tension or physical sensations that may be linked to the traumatic memory. The therapist also supports the client with addressing these tensions or sensations as a part of the therapy session.
- Closure - Before the client leaves the therapy session, the therapist makes sure that the client feels emotionally stable and also equips the client with the positive coping practices (e.g. grounding exercises, calming activities, etc.) needed to manage any distress that may arise between sessions
- Reevaluation - In future sessions with the client, the therapist will assess progress made as well as identify and address any additional memories that need processing.
Overall, the EMDR therapist create a safe, structured and supportive environment for the client to face and process the traumatic memories. Ultimately, EMDR will help reduce distress, improve emotional well-being and adjust the client’s response to the traumatic experiences.
Can EMDR Be Done Virtually?
Yes!
EMDR can be successfully done virtually using secure links or platforms that are built for HIPPA Compliant Teletherapy. EMDR principles and structured phases do not change when the therapy is delivered online. In fact, they are the same and may be potentially bolstered by the fact that the client will be participating in the therapy treatment from the comfort of their homes. Just like in-person therapy sessions, EMDR done online uses grounding techniques to help the client feel safe as well as equip the client with the resources needed to complete the EMDR therapy session.
Is Online EMDR
Effective?
The effectiveness of EMDR Virtual therapy allows mental health professionals to treat a variety of mental health issues and trauma-related conditions, such as anxiety, depression, stress among others. Research has also confirmed that several therapies, such as EMDR, can be successfully delivered remotely and yet leads to the desired outcomes similar to in-person EMDR therapy.