EMDR
Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was developed in the late 1980’s by psychologist Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. after she made the chance observation that eye movements can reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts and images. EMDR was first used to treat war veterans suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) brought on by their experiences in combat. It was found to provide complete relief, often in only a few therapy sessions from the nightmares, flashbacks, insomnia, depression and anxiety associated with PTSD.
Since then, EMDR has been shown to be just as effective in treating those whose symptoms are the result of other types of trauma, such as the loss of a loved one through death, childhood physical or sexual abuse, domestic violence, natural disasters and accidents. EMDR is a psychotherapy approach, used to trigger dysfunctional emotions, beliefs and sensations, and the positive experiences needed to help benefit the future of a person’s behavior.
EMDR seems to have a direct effect on the way that the brain processes information, which may be similar to what happens naturally during REM (Rapid Eye Movement), or dream sleep. After successful treatment with EMDR, a person whose memories were previously vivid and emotionally disturbing, will no longer relive those events in the same way. EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, was placed in the "A" category as “strongly recommended” for the treatment of trauma by the American Psychiatric Association in 2004 (EMDR.com). Sixteen randomized controlled studies and eight nonrandomized studies, have been conducted on EMDR in the treatment of trauma, and have been determined as an effective treatment according to the Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Post-Traumatic Stress.
"My name is Tim, and I am a sixty year-old combat veteran of the Vietnam War. I was intensely involved in special operations in the Mekong Delta in 1972, participating in horrific combat. For nearly forty years I have suffered depression, bi-polarism and post-traumatic stress from the war - as well as from pressing and agonizing events since I returned in 1973.
Ms. Sharon Coleman is an expert in EMDR, and I have found her sessions highly utilitarian in coping with PTSD. EMDR facilitates my facing past traumatic stress, neutralizing the horror and anger, and then relegates these events to harmless corners of my psyche and memories. "
"Suffering is not natural state of affairs. Try EMDR. You will not regret it."
Client Centered
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
Gestalt
MBRP (Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention)
Mindfulness
Motivational Interviewing
Psychodynamic
