Regulus Trauma Counseling (EMDR)
“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.”—Aristotle, Greek Philosopher (385-322 B.C.)
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy technique which helps with trauma, particularly effective for post-traumatic stress. EMDR is universally considered as one of the best treatments for PTSD. EMDR is also effective in helping with conditions including panic attacks, complicated grief, disturbing memories, as well as stress reduction and other somatic symptoms.
Our clinicians are trained in EMDR specifically to help our clients who have experienced trauma to help alleviate their trauma symptoms, with the goal to return them to their pre-event functioning.
How is EMDR helpful for individuals with trauma?
The eye movements help to reduce the intensity of the disturbing thoughts associated with post-traumatic stress. When a person is extremely upset, their brain cannot process information as it does ordinarily. In the case of PTSD, one moment can be frozen in time— remembering that trauma may feel as if they are experiencing it in that moment, with the images, sounds, smells, and feelings just as vivid. These memories have a lasting impact which interferes with the way the individual sees the world, and the way they relate to other people.
EMDR removes the emotional response to the traumas, allowing the person to process trauma or any anxious stimuli they could not previously process.
What is the end result of EMDR?
EMDR has yielded significant success rates in helping clients with PTSD and other trauma-related issues. EMDR has been an emerging technique, but not all mental health professionals are trained in EMDR. Our founder and clinical director’s training in EMDR and success rate have significantly served individuals with trauma, including law enforcement and military Veterans (because of the nature of their work).
The general sentiment among clients who have participated in EMDR is that they no longer relive or feel the intense emotion associated with the traumatic event; rather, the client feels as if they were watching the event from a third-person perspective, similar to someone watching a scene in a movie. That traumatic event becomes a neutral scene, devoid of any emotional association, as the individual becomes desensitized to that event.
EMDR is a mental health intervention, only to be offered and facilitated by properly trained and licensed mental health clinicians. We, nor EMDRIA, the premier organization in the training and certification of EMDR, condone or support indiscriminate uses of EMDR therapy. Please do your research. Do not be afraid to ask your clinician questions about their training in EMDR and address any additional concerns.