EMDR, Somatic Mindfulness & Attachment Based Therapy
“Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms.” (www.emdria.org)
When we are overwhelmed by an event, no matter how big or small, our brains and our bodies get to work to help us just survive it. Humans are pretty good at surviving and adapting so most of the time we are able to process a painful trauma and carry on. However, there are times when the process gets blocked. This can happen for many reasons such as age, experience and understanding, lack of support, an accumulation of stressful experiences, our level of resiliency and coping, or the nature of the trauma itself. Sometimes there are no words. When our process is blocked we are vulnerable to becoming “triggered”, feeling as though we are reliving painful moments. These are the times we feel stuck or defective and may wonder if we can ever be free from our past.
EMDR offers such hope. Through the body’s own amazing ability to heal itself, and the use of rapid eye movements, tapping or sounds, EMDR is able to move through the many layers of defenses and faulty beliefs we build to protect ourselves from pain. Reprocessing trauma can create distance from the negative reactions the memories bring up and will allow a shift to a more appropriate response.
After experiencing EMDR clients report:
Feeling an increased sense of self-esteem and self-confidence
Feeling less troubled by traumatic memories
Feeling more able to enjoy pleasurable activities and to be emotionally involved in relationships, as well as feeling that there is a future to look forward to
Feeling less tense, stressed, irritable or angry
Feeling more able to sleep restfully, concentrate on activities and be present in life
Feeling a decrease or resolution of depression, anxiety, worry and fear
