Rooted & Counseling Wellness
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories. Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has gained recognition for its effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages client’s to briefly focus on a trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation, which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories. EMDR is based on the idea that traumatic memories can cause persistent distress because they are inadequately processed and stored in the brain in a maladaptive way.
Rooted Counseling & Wellness
How Does EMDR Work?
The therapy consists of eight phases, each playing a crucial role in the treatment process:
1. History and Treatment Planning:
The therapist takes a thorough history and develops a treatment plan tailored to the client’s needs. This includes the identification of specific traumatic memories and current triggers.
2. Preparation:
The therapist explains the treatment process, what the client can expect, and teaches them techniques to handle emotional distress.
3. Assessment:
The specific traumatic memory is identified, and the client is asked to select a particular image, a negative belief about themselves, and physical sensations associated with the memory.
4. Desensitization:
This phase involves bilateral stimulation, where the patient follows the therapist’s fingers moving back and forth while focusing on the traumatic memory. The goal is to reduce the distressing impact of the memory.
5. Installation:
Positive beliefs are reinforced to replace the negative beliefs identified earlier. The therapist helps the client to strengthen these positive thoughts.
6. Body Scan:
The client is asked to think about the traumatic memory and any residual physical sensations. Any remaining tension or negative physical response is addressed.
7. Closure:
The therapist ensures that the client feels better at the end of each session, using relaxation techniques to help them return to a state of equilibrium if needed.
8. Re-evaluation:
At the beginning of each new session, the therapist assesses the client’s progress and then identifies any new targets that need to be processed.
Why is EMDR Effective?
The effectiveness of EMDR is supported by various studies and clinical observations. It is believed that bilateral stimulation helps reprocess traumatic memories, integrating them into a more adaptive framework. This reprocessing allows the patient to gain new insights and perspectives on the traumatic event, reducing its emotional charge.
Several theories attempt to explain why EMDR works. One prevalent theory suggests that the eye movements mimic the brain’s natural processing mechanisms during REM sleep, which is thought to help in processing and integrating emotional experiences. By engaging similar mechanisms, EMDR helps clients to ‘digest’ the traumatic memory.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
EMDR is particularly effective for individuals with PTSD, but its applications are broader. It can be beneficial for people suffering from:
- 9Sexual Assault/Abuse
- 9Domestic or Community Violence
- 9Childhood Trauma
- 9Performance Anxiety
- 9Perfectionism
- 9Childhood/Developmental Trauma
- 9Medical Trauma
- 9Religious Trauma
- 9Relationship Trauma
- 9Phosbias & Social Anxiety
- 9Complicated Grief & Traumatic Loss
- 9Chronic Shame or Guilt
- 9Military & First Responder Trauma
- 9Accidents or Natural Disasters
- 9Attachment Wounds
- 9Trust & Abandonment Issues
- 9Body Image Distress
- 9Low Self-Worth
Rooted Counseling & Wellness
What to Expect During EMDR Therapy:
Clients might feel initially apprehensive about revisiting traumatic memories, but a trained EMDR therapist creates a safe and supportive environment. The pace of the therapy is adjusted to match the patient’s readiness, and coping strategies are employed to manage any distress.
Sessions typically last between 55 to 60 minutes. The number of sessions required varies, depending on the complexity and nature of the trauma, as well as the individual’s unique response to the therapy.
Rooted Counseling & Wellness
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EMDR Supports Your Healing Journey
EMDR is a powerful modality and tool for clients who need psychotherapeutic techniques to aid in their trauma healing. Its structured approach and evidence-based effectiveness make it a valuable option for those struggling with the lingering impacts of traumatic experiences. By reprocessing traumatic memories and reinforcing positive beliefs, EMDR helps our clients reclaim their lives from the shadows of their past, paving the way for healing and growth.
In the journey towards mental wellness, finding the right therapeutic approach is crucial. If you or a loved one are struggling with the effects of trauma, consider EMDR Therapy at Rooted Counseling and Wellness. Our dedicated team is here to support you on your path to recovery and well-being.
Ready to learn more about EMDR Therapy in South Jordan and Draper? Reach out to Rooted Counseling and Wellness to schedule a consultation. Let us help you unlock your potential for healing and growth.
Ke’ala Cabulagan, LCSW
Halie Boardman, LCSW
Romina Marquez, LCSW
Morgan Jensen, CSW
Christianne Davis, AMFT
Alicia Zufelt, LCSW
- Main: (801)508-4150
- admin@rootedut.com
- Billing: (801)508-4011
- billing@rootedut.com
- Fax: (801)590-7003
- 11620 State Street, Ste # 1403 & #1404 Draper, UT 84020
- 1657 N Guardian Dr. Saratoga Springs, UT 84045
Our Mission
We provide a holistic approach to emotional and relational healing through integrating the mind, body, & spirit. In addition to standard psychotherapy, we offer clinical yoga, skills classes and health & wellness resources.
