What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye
Movement
Desensitization &
Reprocessing
Dr. Francine Shapiro discovered EMDR when she was taking a stroll through a park one day, thinking about something disturbing. While walking, she noticed that when she moved her eyes quickly back and forth, she found the thoughts less disturbing. While there is substantial research indicating that EMDR therapy does, in fact, "work", we are still not 100% sure why it works. We theorize that we may be replicating part of what happens during REM sleep while you're awake, allowing you to bring that which is typically unconscious, into consciousness.
The purpose of EMDR is to help us to decrease our experience of distress around a particular memory, event, or experience, through repeatedly choosing exposure to it while simultaneously adding BLS (bilateral stimulation-eye movements, butterfly tapping, light-bar, etc.). In other words, EMDR serves to help us feel better by choosing to remember things that we usually actively avoid because they're painful, uncomfortable, and scary. This act of repeatedly returning to a memory and noticing what it feels like is what results in the "D" of EMDR-Desensitization. The "R" (reprocessing), happens when we allow ourselves to observe the memory from a new, present-moment perspective, rather than living in the present as though it were the past.
We notice what it feels like to remember, rather than re-living an experience, and over time, we notice that our reactions, body sensations, perspectives, and emotions surrounding these memories tend to change.
Who might benefit from EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a full therapeutic approach and works well with diverse populations. EMDR is evidence based for decreasing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, OCD, among other DSM-V diagnoses. It is also effective for preventing symptoms of PTSD in those who have recently experienced a traumatic or shocking event. People often observe that their quality of life is negatively impacted by anxiety, panic, avoidance of things or activities that remind them of the experience(s), nightmares, depression, dissociation, and complications/challenges in relationships with others.
Most of my clients come see me to do EMDR because they tell me that they have a hard time trusting others, but especially themselves. Many people feel disconnected from their bodies or from the people and world around them. They feel misunderstood, fear abandonment, and sometimes hurt others by trying to protect themselves.
Why Try EMDR Therapy?
EMDR does not require the therapist to take an "expert" stance on your life, but instead, acknowledges the innate wisdom that exists within you already, and creates opportunity for your brain and body to heal in your own unique way. Your therapist acts as a guide and an empathetic witness to accompany you through your journey. I am here to help you navigate difficult feelings, and free yourself from judgment that might be holding you back in your life.
As a therapist, I feel privileged to bear witness to my client's healing, consistently reminding them that they are the experts on their experiences, and they are the ones who are always in control. When doing EMDR therapy, you're constantly making choices for yourself and learning to trust your own intuition, and it's profoundly impactful. You will have opportunities to learn how to connect with your body, calm and regulate your nervous system, and gain new perspectives on old behaviors and emotional reactions. You will create a new relationship with your memories, and with yourself, which will positively influence your relationships with others.
I choose to use EMDR therapy in my practice because I see the way it facilitates healing every single day. If you're curious about whether or not EMDR therapy might be worth trying, fill out my contact form and schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation, and visit the EMDR International Association website at www.EMDRIA.org.
About the author
Hayli Evans is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) & Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) who specializes trauma and EMDR Therapy.
Hayli uses a trauma-informed, holistic, and collaborative approach to therapy, integrating the body, mind, and spirit into the healing process. She strives to meet each client where they are, tailoring treatment to each person’s unique needs. She works to empower clients to find their voice, connect with their bodies, and heal their nervous system.
She works with each individual to build a supportive therapeutic relationship where they can develop the skills necessary to achieve their goals and improve their overall quality of life.
Hayli is EMDR trained, has achieved her 200-hour yoga teacher certification, and has completed a Transcending Sexual Trauma Through Yoga certification. She is passionate about helping clients to find empowerment in their bodies through breath, mindfulness, and movement throughout the therapeutic process.
Visit Haylievanslmft.com to learn more and request consultation.
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