EMDR Therapy in CT

Unlock Anxiety Healing with EMDR Therapy Written by an EMDR Therapist in Colchester, CT

Welcome to a world of healing and transformation. If you’ve been searching for a way to overcome past traumas, conquer anxiety, or manage distressing memories, you’ve come to the right place. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can be the key to unlocking your potential and living a happier, healthier life.

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy is a powerful and evidence-based psychotherapy approach that can help you process and heal from emotional distress, traumatic memories, and a wide range of emotional challenges. It was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and has since gained recognition and acclaim in the field of mental health.

The essence of EMDR therapy lies in its unique approach to processing past experiences. It recognizes that distressing memories and negative beliefs about oneself and how these thoughts and beliefs get “stuck” in the brain, leading to ongoing emotional pain and suffering. EMDR therapy works by unlocking these stuck memories and facilitating their integration into a healthier, more adaptive perspective.

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation, typically in the form of guided eye movements, sounds, or tactile sensations, to facilitate the processing of traumatic or distressing memories. This bilateral stimulation helps your brain reprocess the memories, allowing them to become less emotionally charged and integrated into your overall life experience.

Here’s a general outline of how EMDR works:

1.       History & Treatment Planning: I will work with you to discuss your history and develop a treatment plan to help identify target memories or issues that are causing you distress. We will discuss past experiences, current challenges, and your desired goals for therapy.

2.       Preparation: We will work together to establish a therapeutic alliance. I will go into further detail regarding the EMDR process and expectations. I can address any concerns or questions you may have. I will work to prepare you with specific techniques to cope with any emotional disturbances that may arise.

3.       Assessment: We will work to identify the event to reprocess including images, beliefs, feelings, and sensations. During this phase, we will establish initial measures as baselines before reprocessing called Subjective Units of Distress (SUD) and Validity of Cognition (VOC).

4.       Desensitization: During an EMDR session, you will recall the target memory while simultaneously focusing on the bilateral stimulation (BLS). This process helps you gradually reduce the emotional intensity of the memory.

5.       Installation: In this phase, positive beliefs and feelings about yourself are strengthened, providing you with a new, healthier outlook on the issue or memory.

6.       6. Body Scan: You will be asked to hold the target event and the positive belief while scanning the body from head to toe. Any lingering disturbance from the body will be processed. This helps to release any physical tension or discomfort associated with the memory.

7.       Closure: I will assist you in returning to a state of a calm in the present moment whether the reprocessing is complete or not. Each session ends with skills to help you feel grounded and stable before ending the therapy appointment.

8.       Reevaluation: At the beginning of each new session, we will discuss recently processed memories to ensure that distress is still low and positive beliefs are still strong.

Who Can Benefit from EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy is effective in helping individuals who have experienced a wide range of challenges, including:

• Trauma: Whether it's a single traumatic event or a series of distressing experiences, EMDR can help individuals overcome the emotional scars of their past.

• Anxiety: EMDR therapy can assist those struggling with anxiety disorders by addressing the underlying causes and reducing anxiety-related symptoms.

• Depression: For some individuals, unresolved past experiences contribute to depressive symptoms. EMDR therapy can help alleviate this burden and promote emotional well-being.

• Phobias: EMDR therapy can be used to address specific phobias, such as fear of heights, flying, or public speaking.

• Addiction: By addressing the emotional pain that fuels addiction, EMDR therapy can be a valuable tool in the recovery process.

• Self-Esteem Issues: EMDR therapy can help you overcome negative beliefs about yourself and build a healthier self-esteem.

Your Path to Healing Begins Here

Discover the transformative power of EMDR therapy and unlock the healing potential within you. I have successfully completed Basic EMDR training I & II which includes 10 hours of supervision. I am here to guide you on your journey towards emotional well-being, resilience, and personal growth. For my information on EMDR, please check out www.emdria.org.

EMDR Therapist in Colchester

Don't let your past hold you back any longer. Take the first step towards a brighter future and contact me to schedule a consultation call. Email or call today.