Recovery NOW, Inc.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a comprehensive integrative psychotherapeutic approach.  In research studies, it has shown to be very effective in the treatment of trauma and PTSD symptoms.  However, it can be effective with anxiety, depression and many other symptoms as well.

Often, our reactions to present events are informed by dysfunctional emotions, beliefs and sensations that are rooted in experiences we had long ago.  EMDR is a structured approach to therapy intended to address those past experiences along with the maladaptive emotions, beliefs and sensations associated with them so that our reactions to present and future events is more adaptive and less triggering.  

• EMDR therapy begins with history-taking during which the client and therapist identify possible targets.  These targets may include recent upsetting events or current situations that leave the client feeling emotionally reactive.
• The next phase of EMDR work is addressing the client's coping skills and building upon them.  When the client is ready, we will begin addressing the targets with EMDR procedures. 
• EMDR procedures explore visual images related to memories, negative beliefs about self, and emotions and body sensations.  Part of the process involves bilateral stimulation of the brain.  After several sets of bilateral stimulation, the client is often better able to process these prior experiences and/or arrive at some insights about themselves or their experiences.  The goal is for the level of disturbance of the event to lower and the validity of the cognition that the client would like to have about themselves to increase as processing continues.  

Bilateral stimulation is the visual, auditory or tactile stimulation of both sides of the brain.  During visual bilateral stimulation, the client follows movement back and forth with their eyes.  Auditory stimulation asks the client to listen to alternating tones through a listening device.  Tactile requires the client to hold a tactile device in each hand that alternates vibrations.  The therapist will ask questions to make sure that the most effective and comfortable method of bilateral stimulation is used based on the client's individual needs and comfort.