EMDR Therapy Frequently Asked Questions - Discover How EMDR Therapy - #e...

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a psychotherapy treatment originally designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories (Shapiro, 1989a, 1989b).

Shapiro’s (2001) Adaptive Information Processing model posits that EMDR therapy facilitates the accessing and processing of traumatic memories and other adverse life experiences to bring these to an adaptive resolution.

After successful treatment with EMDR therapy, affective distress is relieved, negative beliefs are reformulated, and physiological arousal is reduced.

What is the EMDR Approach?

Therapist-directed lateral eye movements are the most commonly used external stimulus; however, various other stimuli, including hand-tapping and audio stimulation, are also often employed (Shapiro, 1991).

Shapiro (1995, 2001) hypothesizes that EMDR therapy facilitates access to the traumatic memory network, thereby enhancing information processing by forming new associations between the traumatic memory and more adaptive memories or information.

7 Phases of EMDR therapy.

EMDR Phase 1: The Therapist prepares the patient/client before initiating directed lateral eye movements. The therapist takes a thorough history of the client and develops a treatment plan.

EMDR Phase 2 – This is the phase of treatment where the therapist ensures that the client has several different ways of handling emotional distress during the therapy session. The therapist may teach the client various imagery and stress reduction techniques that the client can use during and between sessions. A goal of EMDR therapy is to produce rapid and effective change while the client maintains equilibrium during and between sessions.

EMDR Phase 3 – This is the Assessment and Reprocessing phase. A negative experience is isolated and targeted. This target is then properly identified and processed using EMDR therapy procedures. The client will identify a clear visual image related to the memory, a particular negative belief about themselves, and the related emotions.

EMDR Phase 4 – This is the Desensitization phase. It allows identifying and resolving similar events that may have occurred and are associated with the target.

EMDR Phase 5 – 6 – This phase focuses on strengthening and reinforcing the positive belief that the person has identified to replace their original negative belief.

Evaluations of thousands of EMDR sessions suggest that a physical response occurs in relation to unresolved thoughts.

Independent studies of memory have supported this finding, indicating that when a person is negatively affected by trauma, information about the traumatic event is stored in motoric (or body-based) memory rather than narrative memory and retains the negative emotions and physical sensations associated with the original event.

However, when that information is processed, it can then be transferred to narrative (or verbalizable) memory, and the associated body sensations and negative feelings disappear.

EMDR Phase 7 – In Phase 7, Closure, the therapist asks the client to keep a log for the week. The log should document any related material that may arise. It serves as a reminder to the client of the self-calming activities they mastered in Phase Two.

Conclusion

EMDR is probably your next option if you suffer from everyday memories that create low self-esteem, feelings of powerlessness, and all the myriad problems that go with most mood swings. 

According to the EMDR Official Website, millions of people have been treated successfully over the past 25 years. After successful treatment with EMDR therapy, affective distress is relieved, negative beliefs are reformulated, and physiological arousal is reduced.

The Transformative Power of EMDR Therapy: Healing Trauma, One Session at a Time

Trauma has a way of embedding itself into our minds and bodies, often leaving us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected. For many, traditional talk therapy can be helpful, but what happens when words aren’t enough? This is where EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy comes in—a groundbreaking approach that has transformed the lives of countless individuals struggling with trauma, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It’s a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals process and heal from traumatic memories and distressing life experiences. Unlike traditional therapies that rely heavily on verbal communication, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements, taps, or sounds—to activate the brain’s natural healing processes.

The idea behind EMDR is that trauma disrupts the brain’s ability to process information effectively. When a traumatic event occurs, the memory can become “stuck,” along with the emotions, sensations, and beliefs associated with it. EMDR helps to “unstick” these memories, allowing the brain to reprocess them in a healthier way.

How Does EMDR Work?

EMDR therapy is typically conducted in eight phases, each designed to address different aspects of healing:

• History-Taking: The therapist gathers information about the client’s history and identifies target memories for processing.

• Preparation: The therapist explains the EMDR process and teaches coping skills to ensure the client feels safe and prepared.

• Assessment: The client identifies the specific memory, the negative belief associated with it, and the desired positive belief.

• Desensitization: Using bilateral stimulation, the therapist guides the client through processing the memory until it no longer causes distress.

• Installation: The desired positive belief is reinforced.

• Body Scan: The client checks for any residual physical tension related to the memory.

• Closure: The session is wrapped up, ensuring the client feels stable and grounded.

• Reevaluation: In subsequent sessions, the therapist and client review progress and address any remaining targets.

Who Can Benefit from EMDR?

EMDR therapy is most commonly associated with trauma recovery, but its applications extend far beyond that. It has been shown to be effective for:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety and panic disorders
• Depression
• Phobias
• Grief and loss
• Chronic pain
• Performance anxiety
• Low self-esteem

Whether you’ve experienced a single traumatic event or have been carrying the weight of complex trauma for years, EMDR can help you find relief and reclaim your life.

Why EMDR Training Matters

As the demand for EMDR therapy grows, so does the need for skilled and compassionate therapists. EMDR training equips mental health professionals with the tools and knowledge to deliver this life-changing therapy effectively. For therapists, learning EMDR is not just about adding a new technique to their toolkit—it’s about becoming a catalyst for profound healing.

If you’re a therapist considering EMDR training, know that you’re stepping into a role that has the potential to transform lives. And if you’re someone seeking therapy, don’t hesitate to explore EMDR as an option. Healing is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.

Final Thoughts

Trauma may leave scars, but it doesn’t have to define your story. EMDR therapy offers a path to healing that is both innovative and deeply rooted in the brain’s natural ability to recover. Whether you’re a therapist looking to expand your skills or someone seeking relief from the weight of trauma, EMDR can be a beacon of hope.

At EMDR Training, we’re committed to supporting both therapists and clients on this journey. Together, we can create a world where healing is within reach for everyone.

References

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing

https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing

Brain Training For Better Memory

Most of us, within a certain spot in our everyday lives, felt memory space loss. It could be disregarding where we place the keys, once we have safe the access door, etc. As the years accrue, its crude for many individuals intellect solar cells to age and expire which might cause some problems when memory space.

In the past few years, research on mind guidance showed it can easily assist in reducing recollection demise. Dementia is one of the major illnesses the fact that elder iteration is dealing with. Currently, about 24 thousand people are stricken by absurdity.

By 2040, a few could attain about 84 million of sufferers, making us one of the possible affected individuals of dementia.

The same also for Alzheimer's illness which happens to be affecting about five thousand People. Health experts venture that Alzheimer affected individuals could achieve about sixteen million by 2050. That's till the present iteration can take steps to stay away from these types of problems when memory damage.

So how does brain guidance cause us in bettering our storage?
Think the head as a thoughtful muscular. If generating muscle tissue, workout is called for in order to develop strength and suppleness. The same goes for any intellect, different workouts helps whet the memory and enhance focal point and awareness.

Inside of a head workout routine, one would posses notion around the show variety of your brain. There are some software package for head playoffs which might guide you get an suggestion how “old” your head. Grasp your weaknesses would help you create its might. This system can be called your brain coach.

Using a “brain trainer” may be priced, but there have also been other workouts you could possibly engage in which might place mind into act. Intellect video games and workout routines like doing problems, logical-thinking approaches, visa or mastercard approaches and plank playoffs could possibly help your mind. Just understand that the brain develops if replicating certain capabilities. Thus you could continue one type of video game of drawback solving.

In keeping with a research performed because of the College of Alabama encouraged by Generate. Karlene Ball, different head instruction could possibly help upgrade memory space. Within study, there are four groups. One panel appeared to be the manage, acquiring no sort of education. Remainder a few groups had different kinds of memory space workouts.

Depending on the exploration revelation, the three party that expected recollection demonstrated improvement within mental features. Individuals who underwent memory appointments confirmed progress in the way these procedure the details and lesser conclusion.

Whoever has not received any guidance didn't reveal any improvement in the psychological movements. Aside from better recollection, there are trials revealing mind guidance also had a sway on the mind's alertness and ability to remain inside of a optimistic mood.

Brain education, however, will never be a standard course for everybody. A certain mind course may fit for one person, but could possibly not bring forth major consequences on the other guitar. This is the reason the reasons brain training can begin with understanding mind and becoming an idea what would be work for you.

 
During these studies, intellect education did not only stayed for a couple of weeks but lengthened until eventually several years. Head workouts are a choice. A choice which will be based upon knowing the importance of sustaining and generating your intellectual health.

What Are The Symptoms Of Stress?

Stress can cause you some serious medical issues if you aren't completely aware of the symptoms. The modern world can be quite stressful, and too many people take stress for granted and don't do anything about it. The first step is to identify the stress, the second is to treat it we will discuss ways of identifying and treating the symptoms of stress below.

Stress are usually attributed to numerous and for different reasons. As an example, for a salesperson who has not been meeting sales target for the last quarter and also this current quarter, may very well undergo work related stress. Stress can certainly be evolved from family as well as relationship. A childless married couple looking for solutions on how to get pregnant will definitely feel stress every time they're being inquired by relatives or colleagues whether or not they desire to have children. Some people believe that smoking can help relieve stress, however this is simply untrue. Instead of relieving you of stress, smoking do more damage to your health and wellness. So if you are currently smoking, one suggestions for you is that you ought to start learning how to quit smoking right away. It will not only benefit you but also all your family members as well as those close to you.

When you're under a lot of stress, your immune system is compromised. People under a lot of stress will often catch colds, flues, and other random illnesses. Since stress lowered your immune system's ability to protect from these illnesses you are now stuck experiencing these great symptoms for yourself. Since your body can't keep up due to the stress; you seem to catch everything. While stress doesn't directly cause allergies it can aggravate them. You need to reduce stress if you are truly interested in new ways to stay healthy. One of the most common signs of stress is the inability to carry on normal relationships with family, friends and co-workers as well as with strangers. Your temperament also changes with high stress levels such that you become impatient and intolerant of others. If you observe that your behavior is unwarranted such as getting into quarrels over trivial matters, engaging in dangerous road rage and becoming extremely frustrated with irrelevant issues, then stress may be on your side. This, in turn, can make your relationships more difficult and create even more stress, so it's important to find ways to manage stress that's causing you to act out in ways that may be inappropriate.

People feel stress differently in different areas of the body. This commonly manifests through muscle aches in the neck, shoulders, and back. For example, if your neck is the area in which you normally hold tension you'll probably feel a great deal of tightness and stiffness in the area quite frequently. While back pain may be a symptom of other physical conditions it is also commonly stress-related. You can sometimes lessen the pain of stress-related muscle aches by trying deep breathing exercises.

There are a lot of ways for you to manage your stress. Treating your stress is important but more important is doing something about what's causing those symptoms. Just like taking an aspirin for a headache, if you're not fixing what's causing the headache the aspirin will only keep the headache at bay for a short time, the same is true for stress. You will improve your overall quality of life by getting to the bottom of what?s causing your symptoms.

Knowing Panic Attacks And Knowing Panic Disorder Medication

Panic Disorder is the term used to describe the recurrent episode of panic attacks. Many individuals who suffer from this kind of problem gives more importance to some affordable panic disorder treatment and how to avoid a scary panic attack to occur again.

As based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders/DSM-I-TR, an individual's panic attacks could occur anytime at any place and could be triggered by many kinds of situations. It comes with an intense feeling of fear and could occur almost unexpectedly for 10 minutes.

When these types of situations occur, the sufferer feels as if they have lost their control over their own selves. Oftentimes, patients would also feel as if they're going crazy, has heart problems, or even the feeling of dying. Other mental illnesses could also be developed if someone has panic disorders. One example is, an individual who has acquired a panic attack outside the home can acquire agoraphobia due to fear of experiencing one more panic attack outside the home. They may require the company of one more person if they go out.

Many factors can cause panic disorder. It maybe because of psychological or biological reasons. Studies also show that one could acquire panic attacks through hereditary reasons. This is due to awareness of anxiety and fear is relatively higher to the people that are prone to it. In the occurrence of trauma, stress, and separation, they could just easily panic.

There isn't any exact anxiety attacks therapy. Yet, as based on what psychotherapists have said, treatment to panic disorders is also identical to anxiety disorder treatments. It normally consists of the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) being a long-term strategy to the signs of panic. The side effect of this drug prevents other people from going through this type of medication. They are also due to the fact that they might be dependent and lose control over the whole situation. Their prescriptions drugs and it's used needs to be explained rigidly. Although it treats the symptoms of panic attack, it does not treat the panic disorder.

Decreasing the panic attacks occurrence and a person's anxiety level is one of the main goals of panic attacks treatment.Lack of information regarding the illness heightens one's condition that's why a sufferer must know the necessary facts regarding his/her condition. Information regarding the disorder, symptoms and its treatment must be available for the patient to assure his or her cooperation in the treatment process. The panic attack sufferer could undergo many physical changes in one body.

Hyperventilation is one physical symptom that a patient experiences. It is essential for people taking care of the patient with panic disorder to know the basic symptoms of anxiety and what actions to take to resolve it. A brown paper bag could be used for hyperventilation. It's then necessary to lead the person in regaining the normal breathing pattern.

Enabling the individual to cry and pace inside the room is definitely helpful because it emits the strain and tension that the patient feels. Physical activity is highly suggested because this gross motor activity can, in fact, decrease the tension and anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is another good option for panic disorder therapy. Studies have shown that it may succeed in controlling the symptoms of anxiety.

Say Goodbye to Panic Attacks Forever!

Say Goodbye To Anxiety Attacks Forever

An anxiety disorder can wreck havoc with one's life, making usual, day to day functions nearly impossible. But don't worry, conditions like this is treatable. One great option would be EasyCalm. It is a beneficial therapy that can stop panic and anxiety disorders permanently without the use of any harmful prescription drugs. This article takes a closer look at this program.

Breathing is known to be the best and complete answer to get rid of anxiety once and for all. Unlike other programs in this niche that depend on medicine, complex breathing exercise, or psychotherapy, EasyCalm works on entirely natural, easy to follow techniques that leave a permanent effect on your anxiety condition.

EasyCalm stands out among its competitors, as it is a video treatment system. Rather than reading a hefty book, you can quickly watch informative and interesting videos on how to get rid of panic and anxiety attacks. These videos can be downloaded directly on to your computer or iPod, so you can watch them anywhere, anytime, over and over again. The videos cover 10 complete lessons and have excellent production value.

The treatment approach followed by Jon Mercer in EasyCalm is unique because it gives you the tools to fight your panic disorder from the inside. Quick fix solutions can only provide temporary relief, whereas with Jon's approach, you can get over your condition by removing its very cause - a powerful way to achieve ever-lasting results.

This great program offers a money back guarantee. Thus, even if you aren't satisfied with the product, you can get your money back, anytime within 60 days.

Having been online since 2005, EasyCalm has earned its share of rave reviews. More importantly, Jon has grown and evolved the program based on the feedback of users. Today, it is easily one of the best (if not the best) program tackling anxiety disorders that one can find online. Not only that it's really cheap, it gives life changing solutions which could get rid of panic attacks permanently.

Eliminate Anxiety and Panic Attacks Without Medication

Most panic attack sufferers are into some kind of medications either anti-depressants, tranquilizers, etc. These medications can really be helpful if it can be used properly. There are a lot of panic attack sufferers who cannot function normally with their daily life without the aid of medications prescribed by their doctors. Once a panic attack sufferer learns to manage and control panic attacks, specialists give treatment methods to slowly decrease dosage of medications. If you become too dependent on drugs, it may cause other problems in the future. Despite all of these scary facts about prescription anxiety drugs, you don't have to worry because anxiety can also be treated naturally. Yet, you must first consult your physician before taking any steps.

When you experience panic attacks regularly, , you are experiencing intrusive thoughts about something, maybe about your family, your safety, your health etc. These results to some physiological effects such as, trembling, sweating, nausea, chest pain and shortness of breath. Eliminating anxiety and panic attacks and learning how to control your fears and anxiety is very important.

Listed below are some ways on how to eliminate panic attacks naturally

Stay well hydrated. A good drinking habit will help you in eliminating anxiety and panic attacks. As we all know, water offers beneficial nutrients to the body thus making our body function well. One symptom of water deficiency is anxiety and anxiety is one signal the body sends when a person lacks water in his body. Drink eight glasses of water daily to make you physically and emotionally fit.

Appropriate diet. Your body will function at its best when there is balance in your diet. Try to go on a diet which involves food that reduces stress. An acidic diet could trigger anxiety, caffeine and salt must be taken in moderation. Try to have an alkaline diet. This diet containts vegetables and other food which is rich in vitamins. This will be able to help your body fight anxiety.

Get enough rest and sleep. You will be more physically and mentally healthy when you have suffucient rest. You more unlikely to give in to your unwanted thoughts and you're simply more in control with your anxiety.

Breathing workouts. Through many breathing workouts, it would really help you to be calm.. Deep breathing will assist you to release tension. Breathing exercises is very helpful in eliminating anxiety and panic attack.

Find the causes of your anxiety.. Panic attacks has many causes. Find what triggers your situation. It maybe a fear of spiders or talking to large crowds. Whenever you are helpless and stressed, panic attacks could strike you. Eliminating anxiety and panic attacks involves determining your triggers.

While medications can be helpful in most cases, it is important to know that there are more options to cope with panic attacks and anxiety disorder without using drugs. Find out an easy to follow steps in eliminating anxiety and panic attacks with no medications visit Eliminate Anxiety.