EMDR

As an EMDR therapist, I am asked a lot, what is EMDR? EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. 

What is EMDR

Have you ever felt a memory physically or had a disturbing reaction about a particular memory? EMDR believes that our past emotionally-charged experiences overpower our present emotions. Through EMDR processing, we can hold onto our memories by adapting them to a more neutral-feeling emotion. Together we can break through emotional blocks that keep us stuck and powerless to our feelings. 

How Does EMDR Work?

How does it work you ask? EMDR uses our body's natural process of rapid eye sets, like our REM cycle, to help process disturbing experiences. EMDR replicates our sleep pattern between regular and REM sleep, by alternating between sets of eye movements and brief check-ins about what the client notices. This allows the client to update the distressing memories to a healthier view of the situation. 

EMDR is not hypnosis, and you may still be emotional during sessions while not talking about the situation. And yes! It is therapy without talking. EMDR is different in that it focuses on the brain's inherent ability to update and learn from past and present experiences. This process, called adaptive learning, is constantly updating our brains, and these past distressing experiences can interfere with that update. EMDR cuts through our interference and allows us to update our memory to a healthier perspective. As a result, we feel better, not just think we are better!

What Does EMDR Treat?

Here at The Mind Spot, we are actively using EMDR to treat issues such as anxiety, that are rooted in the negative statements and beliefs we have about ourselves. If you would like to learn more, please contact us for a consultation! Until then, practice naming your emotions during the day and see what it feels like to give those emotions a name and notice them in real-time. You may find that these feelings are not as in control as you think. EMDR is also great for treating trauma and disturbing events and memories.

How The Mind Spot Can Help

The Mind Spot we can use EMDR therapy to help teens and young adults deal with anxiety and trauma. Make an appointment with Jenny Saladino or one of our counselors today. Meet Our Counselors

*Adapted from https://emdrconsulting.com

Jenny is supervised by Jill Ahrens Tucker, LPC-S