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SERVICES:
ABOUT EMDR
The treatment of stress resulting from traumatic
events through eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, also known
as EMDR, is based upon the hypothesis that there is a physiological
component to each emotional complaint.
When an incident occurs that is " traumatic",
the balance in the brain is disturbed. This causes an actual physical pathology in the brain which
may create emotional problems and anxieties. The pathology " freezes " the
information in its original anxiety producing form so that the original image of
negative feelings, negative self assessment and fears are preserved. This
information continues to manifest itself and causes Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder, “PTSD", with symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, flashbacks,
nightmares, poor self-esteem and phobias.
These events are countered by stimulating both
sides of the brain which permits
the "frozen” information to be desensitized, processed and integrated in a
useful manner. This causes a cessation of pronounced PTSD symptoms after
completing the EMDR treatment.
The completed EMDR treatment involves a
three-pronged approach. The therapist must first address the original incident
that established the negative feelings and thoughts. Then she invites the client
to imagine the internal and environmental triggers that stimulate the unhealthy
behavior. Lastly she installs a desirable thinking and behavioral response,
increasing the patients' sense of self-confidence and effectiveness in order to
desensitize the anxiety response. The third installation allows new patterns to
be established in imagery which increase the likelihood of a long-term
therapeutic effect in their life.
For more information, you can
read: “EMDR: The Breakthrough Therapy for Overcoming Anxiety, Stress and
Trauma”, by Francine Shapiro.
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