Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
When a traumatic or very negative event occurs, strong negative feelings or dissociation can interfere with how we process the information from that event. The memory is then stored without appropriate connections between its various elements and with many of them still unprocessed. When the individual thinks about the trauma, or when the memory is triggered by relationships or similar situations, the person may feel like they are reliving it, and may experience strong emotions and physical sensations. Some examples are intrusive thoughts, emotional disturbance, and negative beliefs about oneself or posttraumatic stress.
The EMDR process begins by assessing and building internal resources. We then assess “targets” or distressing pictures or images to focus on in treatment. Finally, we consider the beliefs and thoughts you wish to install following the desensitization process.
You can learn more about EMDR or I am happy to schedule some time to answer your questions and explore how it can help you.