EMDR Overview

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful psychotherapeutic practice initially developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980’s to treat troubling symptoms of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The therapy has been used worldwide since then to help clients come to terms with a wide variety of troubling conditions and problems. EMDR is used at Foundations Counseling as an adjunct to psychotherapeutic treatment in order to aid in the resolution of many life disabling problems, emotions, and thoughts.

EMDR is the most researched form of psychotherapy to date regarding posttraumatic stress disorder, and its results have proven to be effective and long lasting. EMDR has also been successfully used to help clients with:

  • Grief and Loss
  • Anxiety, Fears and Phobias
  • Adult and Childhood Trauma
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Disturbing Memories
  • Depression
  • Stress Reduction and Stress Management
  • Eating Disorders
  • Panic Attacks
  • Addictions
  • General Trauma and PTSD

Please feel free to contact us for more information Get Started!

How Does Foundations Counseling Implement EMDR Therapy?

Human beings have the inborn capacity to process disturbing events and feelings. In most instances, the brain reprocesses painful information over time so that it is stored in our normal memory system. In optimal circumstances, the individual can access memories without being unduly stressed. However, there are instances in which the brain becomes overwhelmed and normal processes of problem resolution fail to achieve this desired end.

Problems seem to become “frozen” in our minds, and the painful images, thoughts and feelings associated with the event seem to be “locked” in the nervous system, often out of conscious awareness. These memories then have a lasting negative effect on the individuals emotional and interpersonal functioning in the world.

By working with EMDR certified therapist at Foundations Counseling, we help to unlock painful and negative memories. In turn, this helps the brain to more effectively reprocess old information so that it becomes less debilitating. The use of bilateral stimulation of the brain via eye movements and sound allows for a resumption of the normal reprocessing so that images, sounds, thoughts, and feelings can be experienced without undue upset and disorganization.

What is the EMDR Therapy Process?

During EMDR therapy with a certified counselor, you will attend to a disturbing memory, trigger, or specific problem while simultaneously focusing on a set of bilateral stimulation including eye movements, hand taps, or tones.

After each set, you will share any associations that come with your therapist including mental images, thoughts, feelings, and even body sensations with your therapist. You will continue to do sets of bilateral stimulation until the memory becomes less disturbing and is eventually associated with positives thoughts and beliefs about who you are.

Each person is different, and each experience or timeframe will vary. We do not rush the process and allow things to progress naturally, at your own pace.

Why EMDR Therapy May Be Right for You?

Research suggests that trauma memories are stored maladaptively in the brain, resulting in triggers and “flashbacks” that evoke symptoms of PTSD without prior warning or the control of the afflicted person. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation through auditory, tactile, or visual stimulation while evoking trauma memories as a means to “unlock” and reprocess these memories in a healthier way.

EMDR has been heralded as a highly effective treatment style for treating trauma by the American Psychiatric Association, World Health Organization, and Department of Veterans Affairs.

At Foundations Counseling, our therapists provide expertise in working with patients using the EMDR methodology. Our core values dictate that we work with you in a warm, strictly confidential, meaningful and trustworthy way as we journey down a new road together.

Contact UsContact Us