What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapeutic modality that enables an individual to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. Years of research have demonstrated that by using EMDR Therapy with an experienced EMDR therapist, individuals can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference. You can get into more details from this EMDR Institute.
How does EMDR Therapy Work?
The ultimate goal of EMDR is to reduce distress levels related to a particular event or memory and to improve overall functioning. Although there is no definitive consensus as to how exactly EMDR works, research suggests that it may be effective in reducing symptoms related to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additionally, studies indicate that EMDR may be beneficial when combined with traditional talk therapies or medication treatments for depression and anxiety. Please find out about our other services like Neurofeedback or Individual Sessions.
Although results vary from person to person depending upon various factors such as commitment level, triggers & safety strategies learned during treatment sessions, many people report feeling less anxious after just a few sessions!
How Much Does EMDR Therapy in Houston Cost?
All of our therapists charge a rate based on experience and their expertise. See Our Cost page for more information!
Why EMDR Therapy?
Many people believe that severe emotional pain requires a long time to heal. EMDR therapy shows that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma just as the body recovers from physical trauma. When you cut your hand, your body works to close the wound. If a foreign object or repeated injury irritates the wound, it festers and causes pain. Once the block is removed, healing resumes. It also demonstrates that a similar sequence of events occurs with mental processes. The brain’s information processing system naturally moves toward mental health. If the system is blocked or imbalanced by the impact of a disturbing event, the emotional wound festers and can cause intense suffering. Once the block is removed, healing resumes.
If you are experiencing a challenge and wonder if EMDR Therapy could be for you, reach out! We will be happy to help you start your journey!
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How is EMDR Therapy Done?
EMDR Therapy utilizes eye movement rather than talk therapy to help clients process their trauma. Our therapist will guide the client through bilateral stimulation activities such as eye movements, tapping on either side of the body, or audio tones. This is believed to stimulate both sides of the brain to integrate all aspects of an experience - physical, cognitive, and emotional. During this activity, clients are encouraged to focus on a specific distressing thought or event from their past. By allowing themselves to recall it without judgment or criticism safely, they can begin to reprocess these memories more healthily.
What Does The EMDR Process Look Like & How Long Does It Take?
The eight-phase approach used during EMDR Therapy sessions allows for complete healing of traumatic experiences without having to re-live them again. During each phase, clients are asked to focus on different aspects of their traumatic experience while continuing with their bilateral stimulation exercises, which helps them reprocess what is being addressed in the session. These sessions take 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the experience.
The first phase of the session consists of taking an initial history and assessment and getting familiarized with the process of EMDR Therapy. The second phase focuses on building skills such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness exercises that will be used throughout treatment sessions. In phases three through six, clients work on identifying targets associated with past events that have caused distress in their lives. Phase seven focuses on closure activities such as creating positive affirmations for self-confidence-building purposes, whereas in phase eight, clients learn how to use future templates, which will allow them to handle current triggers related to past traumas from those same events more effectively when they arise in everyday life situations outside of therapy sessions.
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Using the detailed protocols and procedures learned in EMDR therapy training sessions. Our clinicians help clients activate their natural healing processes. Contact us today!