EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Resolution)

EMDR is a ‘short-cut’ therapy, gaining results much more quickly than conventional talk therapy.  It is more effective than taking drugs because it achieves lasting change in thinking, the primary cause of emotional disturbance.  Although there are circumstances in which psycho-pharmaceutical drugs are necessary, it is far better to allow the brain to correct and regulate its innate chemistry.  The changes gained from EMDR tend to be permanent; drug therapy often requires extended use, sometimes for the duration of a person’s life.

EMDR alternately stimulates each hemisphere of the brain by shifting attention with sound and hand pulsars.  This allows the information and the emotional charge to move from the emotional part of the brain to the information-processing and thinking part of the brain.  As this happens  the negative thoughts and corresponding feelings are reduced or eliminated.  The second part of the treatment ‘installs’ positive thoughts which generate more positive feelings and behavior.

EMDR has been very effective in resolving many kinds of trauma and anxiety-based symptoms, including intrusive thoughts, panic attacks, phobias, painful sensations, and emotional distress such as excessive guilt, anger, grief and fear.  Many survivors of single-incident traumas, multiple traumas and childhood abuse have responded positively to EMDR treatment, including crime victims, combat veterans, and disaster survivors.  It works equally well for the daily stress of life, anxiety of all kinds, dysfunctional behavioral challenges ranging from inability to make decisions to severe anxiety/depressive disorders and addictions.  It is appropriate for all age groups.

Symptoms that respond well to EMDR:

• Low self-esteem, lack of assertiveness, decision-making difficulties
• Relationship issues, couples, children, co-workers etc.
• Anxiety issues including but not limited to Social Anxiety, panic attacks, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Anger and stress management issues
• Grief and loss issues
• Chronic depression and Bipolar Disorder*
• Substance abuse and compulsive behavioral problems*
• Eating Disorders and body image issues
• Dissociative Disorders
• ADD/ADHD, school performance, behavioral problems*

*EMDR does not ‘cure’ addiction or genetic disorders but can significantly improve a client’s ability to self-regulate and to make positive life choices.