EMDR THERAPY
EMDR utilizes bilateral stimulation (BLS) during recall of a traumatic or distressing experience. Typical modes of BLS include eye movements, tapping, or hand buzzers. EMDR is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD. For those who have identified particular traumatic memories, often one or two sessions can result in major recovery from trauma responses and PTSD symptoms including anxiety, difficulty sleeping or nightmares, and panic attacks. In some studies, EMDR has been shown to be more effective than medication for PTSD and trauma.
WHAT IS TRAUMA?
Trauma is any unhealed wound, or an event or memory that elicits intense psychological or physiological distress. The definition of trauma can be broader than what you may think. Sometimes a childhood incident with a peer or teacher, an adolescent relationship, or simply the way our parents spoke to us or each other can be enough to change how we think about ourselves for years to come. Trauma responses can include but are not limited to panic attacks, anxiety, irritability that seems disproportionate to the current trigger, headaches, nausea, and feeling overwhelmed.
PERINATAL EMDR
EMDR is a highly effective tool for processing birth trauma, or a delivery that did not go the way you hoped and left you feeling disempowered. EMDR can be very healing in addressing the grief around miscarriage, loss of a baby, or complicated feelings about a termination. EMDR can be used to ease anxiety during pregnancy or about an upcoming delivery, and to address the complexities of emotion around infertility treatments.
NOT JUST FOR TRAUMA
EMDR is versatile, and research supports positive outcomes for OCD, chronic pain, addiction, and other distressing life experiences. EMDR is recognized as an effective treatment options by the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the World Health Organization
EMDR CONSULTATION
I am certified in EMDR and am an EMDRIA approved Consultant-in- Training (CIT). I offer individual and group consultation for clinicians pursuing EMDR certification (in any state/ country), particularly those with an interest in perinatal mental health. Please contact me to discuss your goals.