What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful psychotherapy technique recognized worldwide for its effectiveness in treating trauma and other psychological stress. EMDR therapy is based on the premise that past traumatic experiences and the negative beliefs about oneself that are linked to these experiences can lead to psychological stress. EMDR therapy aims to help individuals process these traumatic memories, reducing their impact and allowing individuals to develop more adaptive coping mechanisms.
How does EMDR Therapy work? What steps can be expected during a typical treatment?
Calgary EMDR therapy follows a structured eight-phase treatment approach, focusing on the past, present, and future aspects of a traumatic memory or disturbing life event. The process typically includes the following steps:
1. History and Treatment Planning: The counsellor and client discuss the client’s history to identify potential traumatic events for treatment.
2. Preparation: The counsellor ensures the client has various coping mechanisms and establishes a trustful relationship.
3. Assessment: Together, they identify a specific target memory for treatment, including the associated image, belief, emotion, and body sensation.
4. Desensitization: The counsellor guides the client through sets of eye movements (or other bilateral stimulation), while the client focuses on the memory, gradually reducing its emotional impact.
5. Installation: The client works to increase the strength of a positive belief related to the targeted memory.
6. Body Scan: After the desensitization and installation, the client is asked to notice any residual bodily tension when thinking about the memory and to work on reducing it.
7. Closure: The session ends with the client in equilibrium. If the memory was not fully processed within the session, the counsellor will help the client use self-calming strategies.
8. Re-evaluation: At the beginning of the next session, the counsellor and client review the progress made and decide if further targets need to be addressed.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR Therapy in Calgary?
EMDR therapy is effective for individuals of all ages coping with trauma and its associated stressors. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals experiencing:
· Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
· Anxiety and panic attacks
· Depression
· Stress caused by chronic diseases.
· Disturbing memories and nightmares
· Grief and loss
· Phobias and fears
· Self-esteem issues
It is not limited to these conditions, as EMDR therapy has also been found helpful in treating other psychological issues.
At the Calgary Institute of Counselling, our EMDR therapy services are provided by compassionate and skilled counsellors who can help determine whether EMDR therapy is the right approach for an individual’s specific situation.
If you are seeking relief from the effects of trauma or other distressing life experiences, we invite you to connect with us for a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation to ask any questions you may have regarding session scheduling, therapy approaches, and how EMDR therapy can help you reclaim your life. Our Calgary Psychologists are ready to help you heal from your trauma.