What is EMDR Therapy? Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR as it’s also known, was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro. It is one of the leading forms of therapy effective in the treatment of trauma.
The basic idea behind EMDR Therapy is that the mind, much like the rest of the body, is capable of healing when injured. When a disturbing or traumatic event happens and becomes “stuck” or “frozen,” much like something getting stuck in a physical wound, it hinders this healing process.
As a result, someone may re-experience the same feelings, sensations, pain, etc., with nearly the same intensity even days, months, or years later. EMDR can help this blockage to become unstuck so that processing/healing can resume.
While EMDR Therapy is a proven treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), EMDRIA notes reported success for other concerns such as:
- Panic attacks
- Complicated grief
- Dissociative disorders
- Disturbing memories
- Phobias
- Pain disorders
- Performance anxiety
- Stress reduction
- Addictions
- Sexual and/or physical abuse
- Body dysmorphic disorders
- Personality disorders
EMDR clinicians complete, at minimum, basic EMDR training. This consists of 40 hours of live instruction/practice and 10 hours of consultation (Providers trained in the past may call this Parts 1 and 2). If they are not certified, make sure to ask the clinician if they meet this requirement.
I completed basic training in 2017, and became Certified in EMDR in 2019. This means that in addition to the basic training above, I’ve completed an additional 20 hours of Certification consultation with an EMDRIA-approved consultant.
I am also an EMDRIA Approved Consultant, which means I’ve completed another 20 hours of Consultation after Certification as well as additional sessions, allowing me to consult others toward certification or to become consultants. I’d love to speak with you to see if EMDR could be helpful for you.
To find out more, call me at (561) 289-2810, or click below to set up a consultation call.
