EMDR Therapy
Time doesn’t heal all wounds.
Nicole* sat uncomfortably in a 50s-style diner a couple of miles from her home. As she listened to the chatter, her hands gripped the armrests of the chair – as if letting go would send her spiraling. The retro clock on the wall ticked steadily, but for Nicole, time had not been steady for a long time. It twisted, looped, and dragged her backward when she least expected it.
She flinched as the server walked up with her classic American burger and fries. “Are you okay?” asked the young man with kind eyes. Already on edge from a revving motorcycle outside the window, his arrival had jarred her.
She started to eat mechanically, occasionally rubbing her arms to reflect on all the problems she couldn’t shake. She was haunted by memories of her stepfather doing terrible things to her. She felt so ashamed.
She wondered if those memories would ever go away. She’s considered getting help… but didn’t think anyone would really understand. She figured it was just a weakness she’d have to deal with on her own.
She’s survived, but pieces of the nightmare she went through with her stepfather remained – deposited inside her.
And when she hears a sound or encounters anger that reminds her of her stepfather, those pieces take over, and she’s back in danger again.
When trauma is embedded in your nervous system…
You need a powerful tool to get it out.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is that tool. It will help you resolve trauma symptoms from childhood abuse, domestic violence, medical or dental trauma, accidents, injuries, or combat. It’s also helpful for treating phobias.
Before we actually do EMDR, I make sure that you feel safe and are capable of remaining calm. I’ll show you how to do diaphragm breathing, physical relaxation, self-soothing, and guided imagery so you can stay grounded and focused on the process.
EMDR Therapy then uses various visual and auditory cues to stimulate both sides of your brain as we target a traumatic memory to “reprocess.” Much like REM sleep, this bilateral stimulation “dislodges” the trauma that’s been stuck in your nervous system.
EMDR won’t erase the memory, but it’ll “neutralize” it so it no longer stirs up your emotions or causes you distress.
Let’s take a closer look…
I’ll help you identify the “target” you want to reprocess – the traumatic memory you want to reprocess. We’ll also target negative beliefs that may be associated with the trauma, things like, “No one will ever love me for me.”
I’ll ask you to focus on the traumatic image and any associated negative thoughts or feelings. We’ll then start the bilateral stimulation, which lasts for about 30 seconds.
Afterward, I’ll ask you to describe the experience. You’ll tell me what comes up for you (e.g., thoughts, memories, sensations), and I’ll guide you as we reprocess the target. During this debriefing session, we’ll install positive beliefs over the negative ones we targeted during the session.
We’ll do several sessions. In each, your emotions and thoughts about the trauma will be calmer. And as you pair the positive beliefs with the traumatic scene, the pain will subside.
In subsequent sessions, we’ll ensure that the positive beliefs hold firm. As long as they do…
The effects of the trauma will be gone forever!
EMDR is your ticket to freedom.
You’ve carried this weight for far too long.
It’s time you got the relief you deserve.
When it comes to trauma, EMDR is better than traditional talk therapy. It works faster, too. And we’ll do it all from the comfort and privacy of your home.
Don’t wait to feel better. Call me today, and we’ll set up your free consultation: (757) 967-7342.
*Name and story are composite narratives and do not reflect an actual client.