Professional EMDR Therapy Services in New Westminster
History of EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. Shapiro discovered that certain eye movements appeared to reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts, leading her to create a structured therapeutic approach to help individuals process traumatic experiences. In 1989, she published her first research study on EMDR, demonstrating its effectiveness in treating trauma-related conditions, such as PTSD. Since then, EMDR has gained widespread recognition and validation as an evidence-based treatment, being incorporated into therapeutic practices worldwide.
Who benefits from EMDR?
EMDR is primarily used to help people suffering from trauma, including those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also benefit individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, phobias, and other psychological distress linked to past experiences. Survivors of abuse, accidents, or military combat, as well as people coping with unresolved grief or chronic pain, may find EMDR particularly useful. Additionally, those who have not responded well to traditional talk therapy might experience significant improvement with EMDR's unique approach.
What to expect in an EMDR session
An EMDR session typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes and follows an eight-phase protocol. The therapist begins by understanding the client's history and identifying specific traumatic memories or issues to target. During the reprocessing phase, the therapist guides the client in recalling distressing memories while simultaneously following the therapist's hand movements or another form of bilateral stimulation, such as tapping or audio tones. This process helps reduce the emotional intensity of the memory and allows the individual to reprocess it in a more adaptive, healthy way. Over time, clients report feeling less triggered by these memories and often gain new insights.
EMDR as a Healing Tool
EMDR stands out as a powerful healing tool because it directly addresses how traumatic memories are stored in the brain. It allows individuals to work through deeply embedded emotional pain without extensive verbal processing, making it particularly beneficial for those who struggle to talk about their trauma. Over a series of sessions, many clients experience not only relief from symptoms but also a greater sense of emotional clarity and empowerment, often noticing improvements in self-esteem and overall mental well-being.
