Trauma and EMDR
Sometimes we have intense or disturbing experiences that we are unable to fully process at the time of the occurrence. Unprocessed events can become stuck in our memories and cause unwanted physical sensations, emotions, and beliefs from the past to arise in present day situations. EMDR therapy is a powerful method for providing relief and insight.
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based practice that often allows for healing to happen at a faster rate than talk therapy. EMDR is understood from a neuroscience perspective to process memory networks in order to release the emotional charge. This emotional charge is often what creates the obstacle to emotional wellbeing, positive change, and healthy relationships. EMDR is used to work with events that can result in trauma such as car accidents as well as events that leave some symptoms of trauma.
EMDR can also be used for:
self-defeating patterns, poor self-esteem
anger, rage
attachment anxiety and barriers to intimacy
addiction triggers
performance anxiety
public speaking presentations
test anxiety
compulsions and habit control
feeling unloveable
life transitions
learning healthy boundaries
guilt and shame
Approach
I approach trauma work with a very close attention to each person's unique experience of trauma and what they find most supportive. Some people do not resonate with the EMDR model of therapy. It is important to listen closely to what feels aligned with your needs.
People have different needs. Some people need a safe space to explore their story without judgment. Others benefit from attention to the relationship between mind and body.
At times, re-telling one’s painful story or being asked to move towards the emotional pain can be too triggering or is simply not effective in creating change.
For example, while mindfulness approaches can be extremely helpful to cope with the effects of individual and cultural trauma, mindfulness practices that ask individuals to simply stay with their experience can also be re-traumatizing or highly triggering. For more info, please see: Mindfulness Meditation and Trauma: Proceed With Caution
Other times, individuals may need to feel the grief, rage, and loss that can result from life challenges. Together, we explore these feelings in ways that allow for you to re-claim your innate wisdom, creativity, and sense of purpose.
Recovery from Trauma
Issues related to trauma can include:
Excessive anger or anxiety
Depression
Sense of disconnection from self or others
Addictions
Hopelessness
Unexplainable sadness
Difficulty focusing
Disrupted sleep
Isolation
Feeling disempowered
Support
Trauma is often very personal. It can take time to build trust. In your work with me, you can find a pace that works for you as we discover which therapeutic tools you like best. Even in the midst of the darkest stories, I also try to keep the door open to lightness and humor if this supports your process.