The Epiphany Room offers EMDR in addition to traditional talk therapy!
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of therapy that incorporates bilateral stimulation to allow for deeper exploration and re-processing of traumatic memories and distressing life events.
Is EMDR hypnosis?
No, EMDR is not a hypnotic therapy. Clients are fully awake throughout sessions, and are asked to close their eyes, only if comfortable.
How long does it take?
EMDR is an 8-phase treatment that often allows an individual to move forward through therapy much faster than traditional talk therapy. Studies have shown EMDR to be highly effective in helping individuals reprocess traumatic memories and/or adverse life experiences in a way that allows them to reduce future traumatic responses and improve functional impairment.
Can you break it down?
EMDR consists of eight phases, as part of a standardized protocol. During the History Taking Phase, we will work together to gather, explore and understand your relevant history. We will then assess whether EMDR would be appropriate to use in our work together, or if you would benefit more from traditional talk therapy. During the Client Preparation Phase, you’ll be taught new ways to cope with stress, and ways to stay grounded and present when strong emotions come up to the surface. We will then move into the Assessment Phase, where will then explore and determine the most appropriate event or memory to start with (the “target”), and its components (emotions, bodily sensations, negative thoughts and beliefs associated with it, etc.).
During the Desensitization Phase, I will ask you to hold the target memory in mind, while you engage in alternating bilateral stimulation (body tapping/drumming). During this time, I will periodically ask you to notice whatever comes to mind without directing it or censoring it. You’ll report what’s coming to mind, whether that be internal associations, related memories, how you’re feeling, or anything else. Depending on what you report, I may focus your attention on one aspect, as a starting point. We’ll then repeat the process, and re-assess your symptoms to see if you need to process other targets. Over time, clients routinely report a shift in how they feel, and new cognitive insights emerge. We’ll then work on reinforcing the new insights and building strengths around the positive belief that you would like to associate with the targeted event during the Installation Phase.
After that, we will move to the Body Scan Phase, where you will be asked to hold the targeted event and the positive belief in your mind, while noticing and identifying any sensations you feel in your body. Following that, we will begin the Closure Phase, where we will work to restore you to a place of calm. Lastly, we will incorporate the Re-evaluation Phase at the start of each follow up session to be sure that distress around the targeted event is still low, and that positive associations are still strong. We will also identify any future targets and establish direction for continued treatment.
Can we do both EMDR and traditional talk therapy?
Yes, EMDR can be used as a stand-alone intervention or can work in conjunction with traditional talk therapy.
Please note that we are offering both in-person and virtual sessions at this time. Please specify your preference when scheduling your appt.
If you are interested in learning more about EMDR, click the button below to schedule your free consultation call today!