EMDR/Trauma Therapy

EMDR/Trauma Therapy

Don’t let your traumatic experiences define you

At Free Spirit Counseling we use Evidence Based Treatments to provide the most effective therapy for our clients. We are trained in a variety of therapeutic methods, but one of the more common practices here at Free Spirit is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR.

EMDR/Trauma Therapy

EMDR/Trauma Therapy

What Is EMDR?

EMDR is a treatment modality that applies therapeutic processing to negative memories. While it was designed to help people who have experienced trauma, EMDR has proven effective in treating any distress linked to a harmful experience: including anxiety, addiction, phobias, grief, etc.

EMDR addresses 2 aspects of trauma; the memory of the negative event and the triggers or stimuli that cause distress. Trauma is like an open wound, and sensitivity to triggers keeps that wound from healing. EMDR attempts to re-associate the traumatic memory with healthy information and reduce the stress response to harmful stimuli. Researchers hypothesize that EMDR is effective in hacking negative memories through its similarity to Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, which is known to be associated with long term memory storage.

EMDR/Trauma Therapy

What Is An EMDR Session Like?

An EMDR session begins by identifying the negative memory. Once the therapist understands the event and the surrounding emotional distress, the client will be asked to focus on the memory. The therapist will begin guided eye movements lasting for about one minute and then ask the client to talk through their experience. 

Because EMDR involves concentrating on negative memories and feelings, it can be a scary process to begin. However, your therapist will make sure that you are equipped with ways of managing any distress. EMDR has impressive results in alleviating the stress of traumatic memories. If you believe that you might benefit from EMDR, ask one of our counselors if you are a good candidate for this therapeutic technique.

“There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds.”

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