EMDR Therapy
What is EMDR therapy?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a mental health treatment technique. This method involves using bilateral stimulation, traditionally through eye movements while you process memories that have been traumatizing for you. EMDR’s goal is to help you heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences. EMDR therapy involves recalling a stressful past event and “reprogramming” the memory in the light of a new, positive belief, using bilateral stimulation to facilitate the process. EMDR is an evidenced based treatment with research that demonstrates its efficacy.
What Happens in an EMDR Therapy Session?
EMDR therapy sessions incorporate elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with bilateral eye movements or other forms of rhythmic, left-right stimulation. One of the key elements of EMDR is “dual stimulation.” During EMDR treatment, you are asked to think or talk about memories, triggers, and painful emotions related to your trauma or other condition. At the same time, you focus on your therapist’s finger with your eyes as it moves back and forth across your field of vision.​Instead of the therapist’s finger, other forms of external stimuli may also be used in EMDR therapy. These can include tactile sensations, such as alternating hand taps, or sounds, such as a chime that moves back and forth from ear to ear.
Who can benefit from EMDR therapy?
EMDR is suitable for adults, young people, and children. Younger children can find it difficult to fully engage with some types of talking therapies, so EMDR can be an effective, simpler alternative.
EMDR is best known for its effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also be used to help treat a variety of mental health problems including:
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Depression or anxiety, especially when a significant life event is involved
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Sexual or emotional abuse
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Bullying
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Social humiliation
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Sudden loss of a loved one
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Witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event such as a car accident or a violent crime
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Want to find out if EMDR therapy is right for you? Request a confidential consultation call now!
EMDR Therapy Fees
Initial Session - 45-50 minutes - $250
Follow Up/Ongoing Session - 45-50 minutes - $125
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Therapy
Is EMDR therapy effective?
Studies show that EMDR is a highly effective form of therapy and can actually help people reach their treatment goals quicker than with other traditional therapies. Because of this, EMDR is endorsed as a treatment modality by many organizations around the world including The American Psychiatric Association and The World Health Organization (WHO).
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Is EMDR Hypnotherapy?
No. You’re fully awake, alert, and in control throughout every stage of EMDR therapy. You can stop it at any time and return the session to regular talk therapy. EMDR does not produce any sort of “altered state.” as does Hypnotherapy and it doesn’t place any thoughts or suggestions in your brain that weren’t already there. It simply facilitates your brain in a natural healing process, dumping what you don’t want or need, and strengthening what you do want and need.
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Can I do both EMDR and talk therapy?
Yes. EMDR can serve as a separate, stand-alone therapy. Or, it can be woven into an ongoing course of talk therapy, when appropriate.
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How long does it take for EMDR therapy to work?
The length of treatment will vary, depending on what you’re looking to resolve, your life circumstances, the extent of past trauma, your current psychological resources, etc. While EMDR is designed to speed up your ability to heal, it’s not a one-time treatment. However, the results may be faster than in conventional talk therapy.
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Can EMDR Therapy cause seizures?
There is no indication that EMDR therapy will cause seizures. In thousands of cases, there have been only three reports of seizures occurring with people already diagnosed with epilepsy.
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Are there any adverse effects of EMDR therapy?
As with any form of psychotherapy you may experience an increase in distress when unresolved memories emerge however, you will be supported fully to help you manage any distress you may experience during and after each session.
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Will my insurance cover EMDR therapy??
EMDR therapy is private-pay only and I am not contracted with any health insurance companies at this practice. Payment is required at the time of the appointment. Payment can be made by credit card, cash, check, HSA, or FSA.