Heal from Trauma with EMDR Therapy | Brian Goldstein, LMFT
EMDR Therapy with Brian Goldstein, LMFT
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals heal from the emotional distress caused by traumatic experiences.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is an integrative psychotherapy approach that uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, to facilitate the processing of traumatic memories. This method helps alleviate the distress associated with these memories, allowing for healthier emotional integration.
How EMDR Therapy Works
During an EMDR session, I will guide you through recalling a traumatic memory while performing bilateral stimulation. This process helps reprocess and integrate the memory, reducing its emotional charge and promoting healing.
Understanding EMDR: An Analogy
Imagine your mind is like a library. Traumatic memories are like books that are thrown onto the floor, creating chaos. EMDR helps you pick up those books and put them back on the shelves in an organized way. By doing this, the memories are still there, but they are no longer scattered and overwhelming. Instead, they are stored neatly, allowing you to access them without disrupting your daily life.
The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy
- History Taking: Gathering detailed information about your past experiences and current symptoms.
- Preparation: Explaining the EMDR process and ensuring your comfort.
- Assessment: Identifying specific traumatic memories for processing.
- Desensitization: Focusing on the traumatic memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation.
- Installation: Reinforcing positive beliefs and thoughts.
- Body Scan: Identifying and processing any residual distress through physical sensations.
- Closure: Ensuring you feel stable and safe before ending the session.
- Reevaluation: Reviewing progress and planning future sessions if needed.
EMDR is Effective For a Wide Variety of Issues
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Panic Attacks
- Complicated Grief
- Dissociative Disorders
- Disturbing Memories
- Phobias
- Chronic Pain
- Performance Anxiety
- Addictions
- Stress Reduction
- Sexual and/or Physical Abuse
- Body Dysmorphic Disorders
- Personality Disorders
The Benefits of EMDR Therapy
Rapid Results: EMDR can produce significant results in a shorter time frame compared to other forms of therapy.
Non-Invasive: EMDR does not require medication and is a non-invasive treatment option.
Holistic Healing: EMDR addresses both the emotional and physical symptoms of trauma, providing comprehensive healing.
Combining EMDR with Other Therapies
EMDR can be effectively integrated with various other therapeutic approaches to enhance healing and recovery. Combining EMDR with therapies like Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness practices can provide a more comprehensive treatment plan tailored to individual needs. For example:
- Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: EMDR can work alongside Sensorimotor Psychotherapy to address both cognitive and somatic aspects of trauma, promoting holistic healing.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): While EMDR helps reprocess traumatic memories, CBT can address negative thought patterns and beliefs, fostering cognitive restructuring.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Integrating DBT skills, such as emotion regulation and distress tolerance, can enhance the effectiveness of EMDR by providing additional tools for managing intense emotions.
- Mindfulness Practices: Incorporating mindfulness techniques can improve clients' awareness and presence, aiding in the processing of traumatic memories and reducing overall stress and anxiety.
- Traditional "Talk" Therapies: EMDR can complement traditional "talk" therapies by processing the emotional charge of traumatic memories, allowing talk therapy to more effectively address ongoing cognitive and emotional patterns.
EMDR Therapy is Evidenced Based
EMDR therapy is supported by extensive research and clinical evidence demonstrating its effectiveness in treating trauma and various mental health issues. Here are some key studies and resources:
- Shapiro, F. (2017). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. Guilford Press. Link to book
- Van der Kolk, B. A., Spinazzola, J., Blaustein, M. E., Hopper, J. W., Hopper, E. K., Korn, D. L., & Simpson, W. B. (2007). A Randomized Clinical Trial of EMDR, Fluoxetine, and Pill Placebo in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Treatment Effects and Long-Term Maintenance. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 68(1), 37-46. Link to study
- Högberg, G., Pagani, M., Sundin, O., Söndergaard, H. P., & Jansson, L. (2007). On Treatment with Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing of Chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Public Transportation Workers—A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 61(1), 54-61. Link to study
Additional Resources
- EMDR International Association (EMDRIA): Provides extensive resources, including articles, research papers, and guidelines on EMDR therapy. Visit EMDRIA
- National Center for PTSD: Offers a comprehensive overview of PTSD and various treatment options, including EMDR. Visit NCPTSD
- American Psychological Association (APA): Features articles and resources on the efficacy of EMDR therapy. Visit APA
Is EMDR Therapy Right for You?
If you experience distressing emotions, reactivity to triggers, or hold dysfunctional beliefs about yourself, EMDR may be beneficial for you. Contact me today for a free phone consultation to see if EMDR is right for you.
Take the Next Step
Ready to explore EMDR therapy? Contact me to schedule an initial consultation. Together, we can work towards healing and achieving a more fulfilling life.