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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

EMDR Therapist in San Rafael, California

 

What is EMDR?

EMDR is a mind-body based therapy that can provide relief from symptoms faster than traditional talk psychotherapy approaches. EMDR works by understanding that under upsetting or traumatic times, the brain cannot process information as it ordinarily does.  One moment can become “frozen in time” and remembering the event may feel as bad as going through it the first time because the images, sounds, smells, and feelings have not changed.  Such memories have a lasting negative effect that interferes with the way a person sees the world and relates to other people. EMDR can change a person’s relationship to the trauma. When the troubling side effects are processed in both the left and right hemispheres of the brain with non-intrusive bilateral stimulation (primarily through the use of hand pulsers), the traumatic experiences will recede into the past where they belong. Though the memory remains, it no longer interferes in current relationships and daily functioning.

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How Long is EMDR Treatment?

A typical EMDR session is 50 minutes. The length of treatment varies depending on what is being treated, whether you are addressing one specific event or a series of recurring events, the severity of trauma, and other related factors. Of course, we will work together to ongoingly evaluate your progress.

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What is Treated with EMDR Therapy?

EMDR Therapy for Trauma

EMDR has been proven effective in treating chronic PTS (post-traumatic stress) symptoms that are the result of recent or past traumatic experiences. Such experiences include:

  • Abuse (emotional, physical, sexual)

  • Childhood trauma

  • Assault

  • Negative relational experiences

  • Witnessing near death experiences or violence

  • Medical trauma

  • Car accidents

 

EMDR Therapy for Other Conditions

EMDR is also an effective treatment for activating the natural healing processes and relieving symptoms of:

  • Anxiety

  • Panic attacks

  • Depression

  • Relationship conflicts

  • Body dysmorphic disorders

  • Eating disorders

  • Pain disorders

  • Addictions

  • Phobias

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Get Unstuck with EMDR

You deserve to experience relief and feel unconstrained by your past. If you are interested in working with an EMDR therapist or have any questions, please contact us today for a free consultation.

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