EMDR Trauma Counseling

What is EMDR?

EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing is a psychotherapy approach that has been extensively studied and proven effective in the treatment of trauma. More recently, studies have shown that EMDR is also effective in treating:

Panic Attacks

Anxiety

Chronic Pain

Addiction

Performance Anxiety

Social Anxiety

And More

Generally, EMDR therapy can bring quick relief to clients and gives long lasting effects to treatment, therefore reducing the number of sessions as compared to general talk therapy.

How does it work?

Trauma counseling with EMDR uses eye movements similar to those that we experience in dream sleep (REM) to reduce the intensity of upsetting memories and/or emotions.  EMDR therapy helps reduce the intensity of the feelings, images, and sounds that go along with the memories of the trauma. When we have a traumatic experience and are upset, our brain is unable to store the memory in the way it normally would.  When this happens it can feel like the trauma continues to be very vivid even years after the experience.  During EMDR, the rapid eye movements engage both hemispheres of the brain, allowing it to process the traumatic event both cognitively and emotionally.  People tend to get results fast with EMDR.

In a typical session, you are asked you to recall specific parts of the memory and then begin eye movements.  This makes EMDR an ideal for individuals who have trouble talking about the specific event.  You are able to have better insight into your experience, shifting from negative beliefs about yourself to more positive.  This allows you to gain control over emotions.  After participating in effective EMDR trauma counseling, the memory is less intense, allowing for it to be recalled without intense emotions.  Importantly, it also helps you not respond to future events with anxiety or a trauma response.

Who can EMDR help?

EMDR is useful with both children and adults.  There are times when experiences may not seem traumatic or be considered a trauma, but are still registered in the brain in an unhelpful way.  Some examples of events EMDR can help with include:

Bullying

History of learning struggles

History of social rejection

Childhood abuse of any kind

Witnessing an accident or violence

Going through a major emotional event such as a divorce or the loss of a friend or relative

Going through a natural disaster

Having a profession such as a police officer or firefighter

EMDR is also known to help people with specific phobias and fears or individuals with emotional blocks among many other issues.

If you want to learn more about how EMDR can help you, give us a call at 720-583-9332.  Our therapists are EMDR counselors.  We are happy to help you learn more about it so you can decide if it is a good fit to help you reach your goals!

Written by Tanja Gorenc, MA, LMFTC

Categories

Schedule a FREE Consultation

We believe in an integrative and holistic approach to help you make the changes you want. Contact us now to schedule an appointment or to request a 20 minute free phone consultation. During this session, you will be invited to share your story and ask any questions you may have.

Recent Articles

A small, sculpted brain made of blue clay sits on a pastel pink background, with a yellow wire bent into the shape of a lightbulb above it. This could represent the importance of brain health and overcoming trauma with a neurofeedback therapist in Englewood, CO. Search for trauma therapy in Greenwood Village, CO and how neurofeedback therapy can help.

Childhood Trauma and Neurofeedback: Rewiring the Brain for Emotional Well-being

Many individuals live with the long-term consequences of childhood trauma. The effects of early traumatic experiences can leave an imprint…

A glowing digital illustration of a human brain with neural activity depicted as bright white sparks along interconnected pathways. Learn more about how neurofeedback therapy in Englewood, CO can support brain health. Search for a depression therapist in Englewood, CO and how they can help today.

Neurofeedback and Brain Health

The brain plays a central role in neurofeedback because it is the source of the electrical activity that neurofeedback monitors…

A group of smiling friends standing closely together outdoors, showcasing a sense of connection and community. Contact a trauma therapist in Englewood, CO to learn more about EMDR trauma therapy in Englewood, CO and the support that community can offer for recovery.

The Power of Community in Trauma Recovery

A Sense of Community Can Be a Powerful Thing! Community can be incredibly helpful in many ways, as it offers…

A graphic showing a profile of a head with the text emotional freedom overlaid. Learn more about how an EFT therapist in Littleton, CO can offer support with anxiety therapy in Englewood, CO and other services. Search for anxiety therapy in Littleton, CO today.

What is Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT): Pt. 2

Can tapping on certain parts of the body really relieve a person from emotional and physical pain?! The answer is…