EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful therapeutic approach designed to help individuals process and overcome trauma and other distressing life experiences. At Worth It Therapy Services, we utilize EMDR to assist clients in their healing journey, transforming the way they experience and relate to their past.

What is EMDR?

EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the brain to process distressing memories, reducing their lingering effects and allowing clients to develop healthier coping mechanisms. During an EMDR session, our skilled therapists guide clients through a series of a series of eye movements, tapping, or tones while they focus on specific traumatic memories. This bilateral stimulation helps desensitize the emotional impact of these memories, facilitating healthier reprocessing.

How Does EMDR  Work?

The EMDR process involves eight phases, including history taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and re-evaluation. This comprehensive approach ensures that clients are well-supported throughout their therapeutic journey.

Phase 1 – History and Treatment Planning: In this phase, the client shares their background and history, focusing on behaviors, triggers, and symptoms that are negatively impacting them. The in front of client does not need to discuss disturbing memories in detail in this phase. Together with the client, the therapist creates a personalized treatment plan.

Phase 2 – Preparation: The client learns about the EMDR process and is introduced to various coping strategies to help manage any emotional disturbances that may arise during future therapy. This phase is designed to help the client feel safe, supported, and ready to engage in the therapeutic process.

Phase 3 – Assessment: During this phase, the client identifies the most distressing aspects of their traumatic memory, including a specific image or scene that represents it. They also pinpoint a negative self-belief connected to the trauma and choose a positive belief they want to cultivate. The intensity of these beliefs and emotions is measured to guide the client’s progress.

Phase 4 – Desensitization: As the client focuses on their traumatic memory and the associated negative beliefs, they engage in bilateral stimulation, such as following a moving light with their eyes or feeling taps on their hands. This process gradually reduces the emotional charge and distress associated with the memory.

Phase 5 – Installation: Once the emotional intensity of the memory has decreased, the client concentrates on strengthening the positive belief they selected earlier. This phase is about replacing the negative belief with a more empowering and positive self-view that feels true to the client.

Phase 6 – Body Scan: After reinforcing their positive belief, the client revisits the memory in their mind and scans their body for any remaining physical sensations or tension related to the trauma. If they notice any residual discomfort, it is processed until fully resolved, helping the client integrate the memory both emotionally and physically.

Phase 7 – Closure: At the end of each session, the client ensures that they leave feeling more stable and calm than when they began. If the processing of the memory isn’t complete, the client learns self-calming techniques to maintain emotional balance between sessions and understands what to expect as they continue processing.

Phase 8 – Reevaluation: In subsequent sessions, the client revisits the progress they’ve made to see if the positive changes have been maintained. They also address any new issues that might have surfaced and continue working on additional targets to reinforce their healing and growth.

conditions treated with EMDR

EMDR has been extensively researched and proven effective for a wide range of conditions, including:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Phobias
  • And other trauma-related symptoms

Your Path to Healing

At Worth It Therapy Services, we believe that recovery is possible for everyone. EMDR offers a path to healing by addressing the root causes of distress and fostering resilience.

to schedule an intake assessment

Call 816.312.5451 or email admin@worthittherapy.com