At Radiant Living Therapy, we use EMDR because it works. It helps people get unstuck. Further, EMDR helps resolve issues where you’ve felt stuck for a long time. Finally, moving forward in life with a renewed sense of confidence.
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a scientifically validated integrative psychotherapy. Dr. Francine Shapiro, a Palo Alto psychologist discovered this method of therapy for trauma in1987. Groundbreaking for its time, EMDR is based on the philosophy that human beings are capable, under appropriate conditions, of naturally moving toward greater health and integration. Sometimes, the nervous system seems to lock in the original picture, sounds, thoughts and feelings from when a stressful or traumatic event occurred. This information can become distorted and can significantly affect our feelings about these events. The eye movements used in EMDR appear to unlock the nervous system which allows the brain to re-integrate positive information. The procedure includes reprocessing of negative, distorted self-thoughts associated with the trauma to positive, true self-beliefs.
The repetitive eye movements stimulate optical nerve clusters to loosen disturbing thoughts, which are frozen and stored and process them to resolution. Simply by providing side-to-side, bi-lateral stimulation to a person while discussing traumatic events or feelings of any kind in a specific therapeutic fashion, EMDR works wonders in allowing a person to heal. The key seems to be the alternating stimulation of the right and left sides of the brain.
Does EMDR Really Work?
EMDR has had more published case reports and research to support it than any other method used in the treatment of trauma. Over 20,000 clinicians have been trained worldwide. In many ways, EMDR has been more effective and easier to access than hypnotherapy. It is a proven technique for working with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, self-limiting beliefs, and hard-to-break patterns.
EMDR for Sexual Trauma
Often, a history of unwanted or forced sexual contact can impact how we feel about sex as a whole. This can leave you feeling “stuck” and you may feel a certain way about sex or have negative thoughts about yourself. Let me be clear: this is not your fault. Furthermore, you can get unstuck. EMDR can help with those negative feelings. Examples of these feelings that EMDR can help you work through are:
- Sex is “gross”, “dirty”, or “shameful”
- I should feel shameful about my sexual desire
- You are a bad person
- You did something wrong
- I feel out of control
EMDR for Childhood Abuse/Dysfunction
Sometimes, childhood contains things we just can’t shake. You could be triggered by “trauma” such as emotional/physical/sexual abuse, neglect, death. etc. These triggers can include things such as having a parent who was addicted to alcohol or drugs, a parent who was gone all the time, abandonment from a parent, and more. Whatever comes up for you in ways you don’t like, EMDR can help.
Negative thoughts can come up and get stuck after you’ve experienced something scary. In fact, these thoughts can impact you for years after the traumatic experience. Some of the negative thoughts you may experience after childhood trauma that EMDR can help process include:
- I don’t deserve good things
- I am powerless
- You can’t control things
- I am a bad person
- I am unloveable
Through EMDR, you can reprocess these thoughts. With expert guidance, EMDR can help you figure out where these feelings come from. Then, re-process them to feel better about yourself and your life. You’ll begin to think about yourself, and what happened to you, in a healthier way.
What Can I Expect to Gain from EMDR Therapy?
You know those negative feelings about yourself that you’ve been struggling with? Our therapists can help you feel better! After going through EMDR therapy successfully you can expect that you have come up with healthier ways of thinking that will impact your thinking and your life in a positive way. Finally, when we can stop those negative thoughts from coming up automatically we can lead our lives in a different way.
Examples of new, healthier ways of thinking about yourself and your life may include:
- I didn’t do anything wrong
- My sexuality is okay
- I am in control of my life now
- You are not a child anymore and not powerless
- I deserve good things
- I am loveable
- …and more!
Of course, you can feel better. First, you have to make the choice to begin intensive treatment. As scary as that sounds, we know that the help and healing you desire is possible. When you are ready, our expert therapists are ready to help!
Radiant Living Therapists Who Specialize in EMDR or Trauma Therapy
Nicole Cardarella-Gasper, MA LPCC
Sophia “Sophie” Pimsler, MA LMFT
Eric Anfinson, MS LMFT
Amanda Holmberg, MS LMFT
Relevant Blog Posts from Radiant Therapists:
- What is EMDR? Can EMDR Therapy Help Me?
- Why You Should Start Mens Therapy
- The Movement of Partnering
- 3 Ways EMDR Therapy Can Change Your life
Looking for EMDR for Trauma Therapy in the Minneapolis Area? Let our experts help you.
Beginning therapy in our Plymouth, MN counseling office with skilled therapists is simple and worry-free. When done right, EMDR is incredibly healing. However, it’s important that you work with a therapist who really understands EMDR. Our expert therapists are ready to help. To begin EMDR with one of our counselors, follow these simple steps:
- Schedule a free consultation
- Meet with a caring EMDR certified therapist
- Feel more controlled, confident and empowered for your future
Other Counseling Services at Radiant Living Therapy
Often, our problems have many layers. Our therapists understand these issues are complex. Therefore, at our Plymouth, MN counseling office, our professional therapists also offer individual therapy, counseling for teens, couples therapy and marriage counseling, counseling for men, postpartum and maternal mental health, therapy for infertility, and more. Let us enhance your life in a meaningful and comprehensive way.
If you are a helping professional, or therapist looking for supervision or consultation services, we can help you, too. No matter the need, we look forward to connecting with you!