Palm Beach Therapy Center - Boca Raton, FL Breaking assumptions about therapy: sometimes leaving a session can feel uncomfortable, unfinished, or unpleasant ...
EMDR Therapy
EMDR Therapy
You can overcome trauma.
EMDR therapy is an innovative treatment technique that can help you heal from mental health problems and trauma, even if other treatments haven’t worked for you.
What is EMDR and how does it work?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is an innovative psychotherapy technique primarily used to treat trauma-related disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
During an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing session, the therapist guides the client through sets of bilateral stimulation, which can involve eye movements, taps, or sounds (at Palm Beach Therapy Center, our preference is tapping). This bilateral stimulation is believed to facilitate the brain’s natural processing of traumatic memories.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing typically involves several phases. These may include history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. Each phase serves a specific purpose in helping the client process and integrate traumatic memories.
What happens in an EMDR session?
In Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, the client is asked to focus on specific distressing memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation. Though it may be uncomfortable to face distressing memories, this process aims to desensitize the emotional charge associated with the memory and reprocess it into a less distressing form.
Please note: Due to the intensity of such experiences, one must first qualify to be a good candidate for EMDR (clients who dissociate may not qualify for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing without prior therapy and assessment).
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is typically conducted in a client-centered manner, with the therapist providing support and guidance as the client processes their traumatic experiences. The therapist helps the client integrate new insights and experiences gained during therapy into their understanding of themselves and their lives.
Overall, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a structured therapy approach that aims to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences by engaging the brain’s natural adaptive processing mechanisms.
Grounded in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that trauma overwhelms the brain’s natural processing mechanisms, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing aims to reprocess traumatic memories adaptively. The process reduces emotional intensity and guides individuals through the processing of traumatic experiences, fostering healing and resilience.
What is EMDR therapy good for?
You don’t need to be diagnosed with a mental illness to benefit from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Anyone who struggles with distressing memories or behaviors that are difficult to let go of can benefit. In addition to PTSD, EMDR can also be used for:
More about EMDR
Frequently asked questions
Is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing evidence-based?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing aims to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories adaptively, thereby reducing their emotional intensity. EMDR has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD and other trauma-related disorders, as well as addiction, phobias, depression, anxiety, and other related issues or disturbing memories.
It is considered one of the main evidence-based treatments for trauma.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy side effects
Overall, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is considered a safe psychological treatment with little to no side effects, especially when compared with certain medications. Some of the main side effects of EMDR include:
- Temporary headaches after sessions
- Temporary increase in anxiety while processing memories
- Vivid or intense dreams while going through treatment
- Emotional pain during sessions while remembering traumatic events
Some clients have asked us why EMDR is so controversial if it’s safe. Because EMDR is a relatively new treatment compared to others (although it has been around since the 1980s), and because it looks very different from traditional talk therapy, people often misunderstand it. But overall, EMDR has been found to be a safe and effective intervention for trauma and other mental health disorders.
Is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing right for me?
The decision to get started with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, or any other therapy, can be a challenging one. The decision is up to you. While EMDR is very powerful for many people, it’s not for everyone. It’s also important that you’re in the right place in life when starting EMDR.
Our therapists can talk with you about all of your treatment options and help you decide whether Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or another type of therapy, is the best option for you.
You may be a good candidate for EMDR if:
- You’ve experienced a traumatic event that continues to affect you
- You’ve tried other treatments but haven’t found relief
- You’re looking for a powerful treatment to kickstart your therapy journey
- You’re ready to tackle your deepest barriers head-on
- There are no other, more pressing mental health or life issues (like domestic violence or active psychosis) to deal with first
More frequently asked questions about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Is EMDR covered by insurance?
All EMDR sessions at Palm Beach Therapy Center are through private pay. We do not accept insurance plans, but we may be able to provide a superbill as an out-of-network provider. For more questions about financing, please get in touch with us at (561) 485-4633.
Is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing a form of hypnosis?
EMDR is not the same thing as hypnosis or hypnotherapy. You will not be hypnotized or lose consciousness in any way during Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing sessions. If you’re frightened or have concerns about how EMDR will feel, please let us know – we’re happy to answer any questions to ease your worries.
Can you do EMDR on yourself?
Some people try Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing bilateral movements, like tapping, at home by themselves. However, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is an intensive treatment that can temporarily heighten anxiety and distress. It’s safest to do EMDR with a licensed and trained mental health provider. We can provide you with alternative, more appropriate exercises that you can do at home by yourself.
Can EMDR be done virtually?
Yes, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing can be done online, but it’s been shown to be more effective when it’s done in-person. Please contact our office for more information about our virtual therapy services.
Get started with EMDR therapy in Boca Raton, FL
If you’re interested in getting EMDR therapy in Boca Raton or if you have any questions, give us a call at (561) 485-4633. Our office is located in Boca Raton, and our expert therapists are ready to support you.
How It Works
Contact Our Office
Contact our office via phone or e-mail to schedule your initial session. We are here to make this process as easy and comfortable as we can for you.
Complete Paperwork
Complete the paperwork provided to you online within 24 hours of scheduling and mark the date on your calendar, we are looking forward to working with you!
Go To Therapy
Attend your initial session and discuss treatment planning with your therapist. Treatment plans may look different for each case. It is typically suggested that sessions take place weekly or biweekly.
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