I have decades of clinical experience and have trained in numerous modalities, but EMDR has changed my practice because it works, and it changes lives
EMDR Therapy is the one treatment method that is consistently powerful and transformative for clients. EMDR is an acronym for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and is a technique used as a primary therapy or as an adjunct form of treatment. The theoretical model underlying EMDR is called Adaptive Information Processing, which asserts that there are events in our lives that may be overwhelming, terrifying, traumatic or otherwise distressful that get “stuck” in our brain. These “stuck” experiences may lead to distressing physical and psychological symptoms and contribute to the development of anxiety, panic, disturbing memories, post-traumatic stress, and many other emotional problems. Until recently, these conditions were difficult and time-consuming to treat. EMDR is considered a breakthrough therapy because of its simplicity and the fact that it can bring quick and lasting relief for most types of emotional distress.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR Therapy Opens a Window to the Brain
Negative experiences and emotions often become trapped in the brain and poorly integrated between the left and right hemispheres causing distressing somatic and emotional symptoms. EMDR is believed to stimulate an intrinsic capacity of the human brain to resolve emotional disturbances and gain adaptive and more helpful insights, not unlike what occurs spontaneously during dreaming or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. EMDR therapy is based on the neuroscience of the brain and uses the technique of bilateral stimulation, right/left eye movement, or tactile stimulation, which activates alternate sides of the brain. This process is thought to release emotional experiences that are “trapped” in the nervous system. This assists the neurophysiological system, the basis of the mind/body connection, to free blockages and more fully integrate experiences. As troubling images and feelings are processed by the brain via the bilateral stimulation of EMDR, resolution of these issues and a more peaceful state is restored at the level of the nervous system.
EMDR therapy addresses the root-cause of distress and suffering and releases trauma held in the body, thus healing the nervous system. As a result, clients have a better chance of leading a symptom-free life without needing to return to talk therapy. Your brain is allowed to release the emotional charge associated with distressing thoughts and memories, and you then reside in a state of harmony and wellness.
Compared to traditional forms of cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR has proven to be extremely effective in treating even the most problematic issues in a relatively short amount of time. Clients utilizing EMDR appear to have less likelihood of their problems returning in the future, because healing is believed to take place at the level of the nervous system. EMDR is effective for changing negative thought patterns, emotional reactions, entrenched habits and even physical discomfort that people can’t “think” their way out of using traditional “talk therapy.” EMDR has given clinicians and their clients the ability to essentially reverse all those negative patterns and responses that have developed in the brain, body, and nervous system. Negative, painful thoughts and beliefs are replaced with more adaptive and realistic “here and now” perceptions and self-concepts.
Eliminate Unconscious Blocks to Performance
EMDR is also frequently used to optimize success and achieve peak performance. People who have participated in performance enhancement therapy such as competitive athletes and performers, often report that they are more self-confident and that unconscious blocks to performance are greatly reduced. Because EMDR works at the level of the nervous system, it is effective in addressing mental blocks and resistant thinking.
As a trained EMDR specialist, I am able to offer this effective intervention to alleviate symptoms related to trauma as well as other distressing symptoms such as:
- Anxieties, phobias, fears, panic disorder, obsessions
- Depression, dysphoria, sadness
- Eating disorders, body image concerns
- Medical trauma, medical diagnosis, chronic pain
- Insomnia
- Sexual, physical and emotional abuse
- Relationship issues, family of origin difficulties
- Sexual problems
- Self-defeating patterns, self-sabotage, poor self-esteem
- Accidents, natural disasters, survivor guilt
- Performance problems, public speaking, creative blocks, sports performance
- Anger, rage, feeling unsafe
- Triggers for addictions
- Negative thoughts, patterns
- Negative self-concept
- Attachment, interpersonal and relationship challenges, barriers to intimacy
As a neuropsychological expert, certified brain health coach, and creator of brainwave audios, I am able to create a comprehensive treatment approach for you that combines EMDR with brainwave therapy, brain health coaching, and other modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy. I can teach you the manner in which your brainwave patterns influence your thoughts, your feelings, and your psychological well-being. I use my training and experience to create a comprehensive and multi-modal approach to treatment that is designed to help you achieve the highest degree of success. Gains made during our EMDR therapy sessions can be solidified in between sessions with the regular use of my brainwave audios and enhanced by a program focused on brain health coaching.
EMDR is an empirically validated treatment
EMDR is the most researched of the power therapies (Somatic Experiencing or SE, Advanced Integrative Therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique EFT, Thought Field Therapy TFT, Energy Testing and others), and has the validation of the American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the Department of Defense and the Veteran’s Administration, as it relates to treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In addition to trauma resolution, EMDR is now successfully used as a performance enhancement tool and to assist individuals in a variety of high stress situations such as:
- Participating in competitive sports and other high-stress situations
- Public speaking and presentations
- Undergoing job interviews
- Taking standardized tests such as SAT's, professional examinations, test anxiety
- Performing in artistic and creative performances, writer and artistic blocks
What follows is a more comprehensive list of problems and concerns that are helped by EMDR…
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Childhood trauma, neglect, abuse, or traumatic memories
- Depression
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Anger and rage problems
- Intense anxiety, phobias and fears (fear of flying, bridges, claustrophobia)
- Social anxiety
- Test anxiety
- Performance anxiety (public speaking, sports performance)
- Fear of being alone or abandoned
- Feeling unlovable
- Unrealistic guilt and shame
- Addictions and smoking cessation
- Compulsions and habit control
- OCD
- Chemically dependent clients
- Dissociation, DID
- Insomnia and sleep disorders, relaxation difficulties
- Medical/surgical/diagnosis trauma
- Postpartum difficulties
- Attachment concerns
- Eating disorders (Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder) and body image issues
- Sexual abuse and/or physical abuse
- Surviving an assault, robbery or rape
- Witnessing violence, victim of a crime
- Loss or injury of a loved one, injury to self
- Surviving an accident
- Low self-esteem
- Low self-efficacy
- Motivation and procrastination
- 911 victims, police officers, firemen, rescue workers with violent memories
- Difficulties with trust
- Relationship problems and interpersonal difficulties (work and professional)
- Life transitions such as divorce recovery, childbirth and aging
For more information about EMDR you can visit the EMDR Institute. (https://www.emdr.com)
Are you ready for breakthrough in your life?
How to get in touch with me
The easiest way is to schedule your complimentary phone consultation with me through my online booking calendar, and I will call you at the designated time. No hassle, no phone tag, a time that is convenient to you and you speak directly with me.
Email: contact@drsusanspicer.com
Phone: 989-577-5950