EMDR Therapy
Do you feel stuck in ruminations about the past?
Does your trauma come back time and again, but never seem to resolve?
Are you searching for an alternative technique to talk therapy to advance your mental health goals?
In 1987, the psychologist Francine Shapiro made the accidental discovery that eye movements could reduce the intensity of disturbing memories. She named this discovery Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Since then, EMDR has been used to successfully treat trauma-related disorders such as Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression and even physical symptoms caused by emotional distress. In addition to using eye movements during treatment sessions, therapists using EMDR also use other forms of bilateral stimulation (e.g., tapping or sounds).
The theory behind EMDR is that when traumatic experiences are not cohesively processed, they remain fragmented and stored in the memory without resolution. EMDR aims to help individuals reprocess these traumatic memories so that they can be integrated into an individual's life narrative and dissociated from the emotional distress they once caused.
The goal of EMDR therapy is to reduce symptoms associated with psychological trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
EMDR works by engaging both sides of the brain while the patient focuses on a traumatic event, allowing them to process and reprocess the experience until they can move forward without being hindered by it.
During EMDR sessions, the therapist will use lateral eye movements (moving back and forth) or auditory taps or tones to stimulate different parts of the brain. This stimulation helps to turn off painful memories and emotions related to the traumatic experience so that new coping skills can be learned and the person can move forward in life.
EMDR has been found to be an effective treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, including PTSD, panic disorder, depression, phobias and more. In addition to providing relief from psychological trauma, EMDR also offers patients greater insight into their feelings and behavior patterns as well as improved self-awareness.
Through reprocessing traumatic experiences with EMDR therapy, people are able to develop healthier ways of dealing with stress and resolving difficult emotions. By working through these challenges in a safe environment, individuals can take control of their own lives and find peace within themselves.
The evidence base for EMDR is strong: it has been clinically tested extensively since its inception and numerous randomized controlled trials have been conducted to validate its efficacy.
Research has shown that EMDR helps people with a wide range of trauma- and stress-related disorders, from PTSD and panic disorder to depression and phobias, as well as other conditions such as chronic pain.
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Furthermore, many therapists report seeing improvements in clients’ symptoms very quickly—often after just one session of EMDR treatment.
Even though much research has been conducted on EMDR therapy, the exact mechanism by which it works remains unknown. Regardless, this powerful adjunct to psychotherapy is changing the lives of thousands of people who suffer from psychological trauma every day.
If you would like to learn more about EMDR therapy and its applications, contact Kairos Wellness Collective for more information. With proper treatment, healing from trauma is possible – and EMDR may be part of that journey.
Can EMDR be used with children?
While EMDR was originally developed for adults, its application has also been extended to children and adolescents. Research and clinical experience have shown that EMDR can be effective in helping children process traumatic experiences and reduce the associated symptoms.
Here are some key points regarding EMDR for children:
Adaptation for Children: EMDR techniques and protocols have been adapted to suit the developmental level and unique needs of children. Therapists who work with children using EMDR typically receive specialized training in child development and play therapy techniques. At Kairos Wellness Collective, two of our play therapists, Lacey Pacheco and Natalia Aiza, are also trained in EMDR and adaptations for children.
Safety and Stabilization: Before initiating EMDR, it is important to establish a sense of safety and stabilization for the child. This involves building a therapeutic relationship, providing appropriate support, and helping the child develop coping skills.
Assessing Readiness: Children need to be assessed to determine their readiness for EMDR. This includes evaluating their ability to engage in the therapeutic process, follow instructions, and tolerate distressing emotions.
Resource Building: Therapists often focus on building internal resources in children before targeting specific traumatic memories. This can involve helping children identify and strengthen their internal strengths, such as positive memories, coping skills, and supportive relationships
Dual Attention Stimuli: Similar to adults, children in EMDR therapy typically engage in bilateral stimulation using eye movements, auditory tones, or tactile sensations. The therapist guides the child's attention back and forth while they recall a distressing memory or engage in other therapeutic exercises.
Narrative Techniques: Children may struggle to verbally express their experiences or emotions. Therapists may incorporate creative and narrative techniques, such as drawing, storytelling, or using puppets, to help children externalize their internal experiences and process them effectively.
Gradual Exposure: EMDR for children often involves a gradual exposure approach. The therapist may target specific aspects of the trauma memory or related distressing experiences in a phased manner, ensuring the child's emotional safety and comfort throughout the process.
Parental Involvement: Parents or caregivers usually play an essential role in the child's EMDR therapy. They may be involved in sessions, provided with guidance on how to support their child outside of therapy, and taught strategies to enhance the child's emotional regulation and well-being.
Contact Kairos Wellness Collective for effective EMDR therapy.
If you would like to schedule an appointment or discuss your needs, you can call or text 720-310-0570, email help@kairoswellnesscollective.com, or send a message here. Feel free to reach out by text or phone whenever is convenient. We will get back to you shortly to discuss goals, pricing, and schedule.