EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Provides Evidence-Based Relief From Trauma

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful and efficient therapy approach that can help you manage and overcome trauma. EMDR is a short-term, neurological treatment that focuses directly on traumatic memories and makes it possible to reduce physiological reactions to typical triggers.

Working with an EMDR therapist can help you identify and address core issues related to trauma that create the most distress in your life, usually quite quickly. The process also helps develop body awareness and self-regulation, improving resiliency long after treatment ends. 

You Don’t Have To Quit Your Talk Therapy To Start EMDR Therapy

EMDR is often considered a first-line treatment for trauma symptoms because of its targeted approach and evidence-based benefits. Clients typically seek EMDR treatment because of its efficiency and powerful, life-changing results.

If you are already working with a talk therapist that you trust, you don’t have to quit to start EMDR therapy. Both services can be covered by insurance as long as there is a clear need for EMDR, and there is coordination of treatment between the two therapists. If you are doing well in therapy, but feeling stuck on one particular issue, adding EMDR can help you overcome specific roadblocks to get your therapy progress back on track.

EMDR is frequently added to talk therapy treatment plans because it is very effective in reducing the effects of trauma, and the results are often long-term. Talk therapy is great for those beginning the counseling process as well as long-term clients to provide consistent positive reinforcement during the course of EMDR therapy.

Successful EMDR therapy often results in improved self-confidence, healthier relationships, and improved functional performance. Even though trauma symptoms can be distressing and overwhelming, EMDR can resolve symptoms and help you discover that relief is possible.

How The Approach Works And How Long It Will Take

EMDR is a cognitive intervention that targets negative beliefs that were learned during traumatic events and works to reframe them during therapy. You will have the chance to develop effective coping skills and build distress tolerance which can resonate in many facets of your life.

The length of EMDR treatment varies and depends on many factors, including the type of trauma (a single incident vs. complex trauma) as well as how motivated you are to participate in sessions.

Results from EMDR can come quite quickly if you are looking to address a fairly simple trauma and you have already done talk therapy in the past. Realistically, with this kind of case, you can experience a reduction of symptoms from EMDR therapy within the first few sessions. On average, with this kind of presentation, you could finish treatment in about eight sessions or less.

Complex trauma, such as childhood abuse, requires a lot of preparation to establish wellness and safety before EMDR even begins, often prolonging the healing process. Treatment plans will be individualized to fit your needs, so no matter how long it takes, you have the chance to find everlasting healing by utilizing the benefits of this amazing approach.

How EMDR Works On A Neurological Level

EMDR therapy allows you to focus on traumatic events that have potentially shaped your beliefs about yourself, your emotions, and your physical sensations. Your therapist can help you become aware of how trauma has impacted you the most in your life, and then we isolate one or more memories that seem most related to your current symptoms.

We focus on these memories and notice how they make you feel about yourself, as well as what you are feeling physically and emotionally. Then we add something called bilateral stimulation to essentially desensitize your memories. Bilateral stimulation is administered in EMDR therapy with a variety of options for triggering both sides of the brain.

Options include watching a light bar that moves back and forth to track your eye movement or holding "tappers"  in your hands. You could provide your own bilateral stimulation by tapping on yourself, often on your shoulders.

We let you choose the type of stimulation you prefer. Once you pair the bilateral stimulation method of your choice with the distressing memories—with the guidance of your EMDR counselor—the traumatic memories are desensitized.

Upon checking for effectiveness at the end of treatment, we often find that trauma memories no longer generate the same physical and mental reactions they once did. You can be freed from this cycle of negative thinking and emotion that has held you back since the traumatic event occurred.

 EMDR Therapy, Trauma Treatment, And Shame

Unfortunately, shame is a common issue for people who have experienced trauma. Many people are embarrassed and overwhelmed by what happened, or their response to what happened, so they try to bury the trauma and move forward with their lives as if it did not occur. Others do not become aware that they have experienced trauma until years after it happened.

All of these responses are normal and understandable. You might also have an intense fear of being judged if you open up to someone about what happened. We want our clients to know that as trauma-informed therapists, we have heard and seen a lot. You are not likely to shock us, and you do not need to feel ashamed about your past.

EMDR Therapy At Shift Counseling, PC

Many of our clients seeking EMDR therapy have a history of trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and know that they specifically want to work with a trauma-informed therapist to overcome symptoms. Some of our clients are referred by other counselors to receive EMDR therapy in addition to their regular talk therapy.

Shift Counseling, PC was formed with the intention of being responsive to the mental health needs of our community. The reason why our founder hires diverse staff and supports them in getting trained in EMDR and other trauma-informed approaches is to meet the need for culturally responsive trauma treatment she is seeing in the community.

We genuinely care about our clients, we are curious about their stories, and we love seeing them thrive.

Both therapists Saima Shaik, LPC, and Noel Cordova, LCPC, CADC at our office have completed EMDR training. They both provide EMDR therapy online and in person.

Our EMDR Therapist Specializations

Our trauma-informed EMDR therapists have specializations that not all practices can claim to provide, including experience in working with addictions and substance abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and intergenerational trauma. We work with issues such as childhood trauma, physical abuse, sexual abuse, combat trauma, workplace trauma, accidents, and bullying.

We have both male and female EMDR therapists who speak a variety of languages including Spanish and Hindi/Urdu. We welcome clients of all ages, from teens to older adults, for EMDR therapy. We work with all genders, sexual orientations, and cultural backgrounds. Additionally, we offer both in-person and online options and both are equally effective.

Trauma therapy can be a bumpy road, and it is not easy work, but the payoff can be incredible. Engaging with an experienced, trauma-informed therapist can provide relief from symptoms and help you get your relationship with yourself back on track.

Are You Ready To Heal From Trauma?

Reach out to Shift Counseling to have a short discussion to see if EMDR Therapy can be helpful for you. We can also check your insurance benefits and let you know what your out-of-pocket costs would be. Healing from trauma is possible, and EMDR can help. Call us at 708-522-4009 or reach out through our Contact Form.