EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), is and effective psychotherapy that has been extensively researched for the treatment of PTSD, anxiety, depression and panic disorder. This method of treatment has been approved by the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, National Alliance on Mental Illness, U.S. Department of Veterans, World Health Organization and other reputable organizations.

Unlike most psychotherapies, EMDR is different because it does not require talking in detail about the trauma or stressful events.  There is no homework to be completed.  During EMDR sessions the brain resumes its natural healing process through the reprocessing of events chosen by the client and therapist. For many clients, EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than most psychotherapies. EMDR sessions can range from 60-90minutes, in order to reprocess distressing events from the past.  Before processing, you and your therapist will prepare for several sessions to better understand trauma, it’s effects and symptoms on one’s life, as well as talking through expectations and questions the client may have about their future processing sessions.

OUR BRAIN AND TRAUMA

Through the use of our amygdala (the alarm signal for stressful events), the hippocampus (which assists with learning, including memories about safety and danger), and the prefrontal cortex (which analyzes and controls behavior and emotions), our brain recovers from traumatic events naturally. Our fight, flight or freeze response (stress response) activates during traumatic events, it can also become activated, causing us to feel overwhelmed and keeping us stuck, feeling the same way we did during our traumatic event, even though we are in a safe environment. During the session the experience is remembered and processed during the therapy session, allowing the brain to come to a resolve, an understanding and realization that is healthier and less stressful, when the memory from the past is activated.

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EMDR is currently being provided by Barbara Padron, LMFT for the treatment of the following: 

• Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias

• Depression 

• Grief and loss

• Performance anxiety

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other trauma and stress-related issues

• Sexual assault

• Violence and abuse

• Ages 18+ only

WHO CAN PROVIDE EMDR TREATMENT?

EDMR should only be conducted by a licensed and fully trained therapist.

WHO DEVELOPED EMDR?

EMDR therapy was developed in the late 1980’s by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., when she discovered a connection between eye movement and persistent upsetting memories.  Dr. Shapiro dedicated her life studies towards the development and use of EMDR treatment, developing EMDR International Association for research and training to benefit the mental health community.

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