emdr

tulsa oklahoma

The mind can often heal itself

in the same way as the body does. Much of this natural coping mechanism occurs during sleep, particularly during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Francine Shapiro developed Eye Movement Desensitization (EMD) in 1987, using this natural process in order to successfully treat Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Shapiro later renamed the therapy; EMDR therapy has been used to effectively treat a wide range of mental health problems.

During EMDR therapy you will remain in control, fully alert and wide-awake. This is not a form of hypnosis and you can stop the process at any time. Throughout the session, the therapist will support and facilitate your own self-healing

EMDR sucessful in treating

  • PTSD

  • Anxiety and Panic Attacks

  • Depression

  • Stress

  • Phobias

  • Sleep Problems

  • Commplicated Grief

  • Addictions

  • Pain Relief, phantom limb pain

  • Self-Esteem and Performance Anxiety

when you are traumatized

Most of the time your body routinely manages new information and experiences without you being aware ofit. However, when something out of the ordinary occurs and you are traumatized by an overwhelming event (e.g. a car accident) or by being repeatedly subjected to distress (e.g. childhood neglect), your natural coping mechanism can become overloaded.

This overloading can result in disturbing experiences remaining frozen in your brain or being "unprocessed".

Traumatic memories can be continually triggered when you experience events similar to the difficult experiences you have been through. Often the memory itself is long forgotten, but the painful feelings such as anxiety, panic, anger or despair are continually triggered in the present.

EMDR therapy uses the natural healing ability of your body.

Eye movements, similar to those during REM sleep, will be recreated simply by asking you to watch the therapist's finger moving backwards and forwards across your visual field. Sometimes, a bar of moving lights or headphones is used instead. The eye movements will last for a short while and then stop. You will then be asked to report back on the experiences you have had during each of these sets of eye movements. Experiences during a session may include changes in thoughts, images and feelings.

 

EMDR therapy can accelerate therapy

by resolving the impact of your past traumas and allowing you to live more fully in the present. It is not, however, appropriate for everyone. The process is rapid, and any disturbing experiences, if they occur atall, last for a comparatively short period of time. Nevertheless, you need to be aware of. and willing to experience, the strong feelings and disturbing thoughts, which sometimes occur during sessions.