Elaine Freeman
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)“EMDR allows the natural healing powers of the brain to be activated; then traumatic and unhelpful memories can be processed moving towards adaptive resolution.”
What is EMDR?
EMDR therapy works with trauma and other symptoms by safely reconnecting Clients to the images, self-thoughts, emotions, and body sensations associated with the trauma. This allows the natural healing powers of the brain to move toward adaptive resolution.
It is believed that symptoms occur when trauma and other negative or challenging experiences overwhelm the brain’s natural ability to heal. EMDR allows the healing process to be facilitated and completed through bilateral stimulation (BLS). BLS is stimulation of both sides of the brain to activate the whole brain, similar to REM sleep patterns, assisting the client in processing traumatic memories, fears or worries of future problems. This process is believed to facilitate the process of the re-filing of memories into a more efficient and useful place in the brain and body.
Benefits
EMDR is part of the psychosensory therapies that can achieve a deeper level of processing and healing than might be possible by purely cognitive work and EMDR shows that the mind can heal from psychological trauma as much as the body recovers from physical trauma.
An example of what EMDR is used to treat follows: Anxiety, panic attacks, grief and loss, depression, addictions, anger, phobias, performance anxiety, sleep problems, traumatic memories, low self -esteem and trust issues.
What is the process?
The initial session is an assessment session where your needs are assessed, and we agree a way forward. Sessions are weekly with each session lasting 50 minutes. The course of treatment usually lasts for approximately 8 sessions, however, there are times when longer term work is required.
During EMD the past, present, and future are considered whilst following eight phases of treatment. The Client focuses on a disruptive memory and identifies the belief they hold about themselves. All the sensations and emotions associated with the memory are identified. The Client then reviews the memory during BLS which is done by watching the therapist move two fingers. Then the client relays how they feel.
This process continues until the trauma has been processed and the memory is no longer disturbing to the Client. The selected positive belief is then “installed,” via BLS, to replace the negative belief.
Following an EMDR session, it is not unusual for sleep to be impacted. Vivid dreams are common as well as feeling more sensitive to interactions with others and to external stimuli.
What I Can Offer
EMDR can be a stand-alone treatment as described in “What is the process”. It can also be used as part of other therapies where appropriate. It can be effective in installing resources where they are found to be lacking and can be used to help process memories and beliefs that are not shifting in other therapies.
EMDR
- 50 Minutes Daytime
EMDR
- 50 Minutes Saturday morning
Fees from 1st January 2023
Please note rates will vary when paying via EAP or insurance companies due to the increased financial & administrative requirements; rates are agreed with each company and will vary. Please call us if you wish to discuss further.
I am happy to discuss specific requests i.e., family work, corporate work.
Prices will vary for seasonal hours i.e. evenings in the summer.
Contact Elaine Freeman