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(916) 565-2112
or TEXT: (415) 999-2622
- Lauren@LaurenLoweTherapy.com
- 1515 River Park Drive #175 Sacramento, CA 95815
EMDR Treatment
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
EMDR works to address past memories in connection with current issues while helping to create positive future. EMDR typically is completed through eight phases of treatment designed to assist your brain in digesting and appropriately storing the trauma. The EMDR process will help the trauma become something you experienced, but it will no longer affect your daily life. As part of EMDR, you will learn techniques to manage any future emotional disturbance quickly and easily.
You may wonder how EMDR works to help symptoms of trauma. When a person is traumatized, it can create memories around the event that when remembered, can feel as real as the event. Those “frozen in time” memories can interfere with how the person views the world and how they relate to others. EMDR helps to change the way the brain processes traumatic memories to help the individual manage them with less stress and importance.
How does EMDR treatment work?
The EMDR process focuses on the past, present and future addressed through an eight-phase approach.
- Phase 1: A time for the therapist to gather historical information, identify disturbing areas to target EMDR processing and to determine if EMDR is right for you.
- Phase 2: The therapist will make sure you have the necessary coping skills to manage emotions that may arise during treatment.
- Phases 3 through 6: These are the working sessions designed to help you in three areas. First, to identify specific negative memories and the related emotions. Second, to explore positive and negative believes you have about yourself. Third, to learn how to identify your feelings and the bodily sensations connected to those emotions.
- Phase 7: A period of time for reflective journaling to check to see if there are any remaining items to address.
- Phase 8: You will review your progress with the therapist. This may be your final session.
It’s important to remember that each person’s trauma is unique to their experiences. EMDR treatment may take less than eight sessions, and for some, it may take more.
Is EMDR harmful?
No, it is designed to help your mind learn how to store and access memories in a less harmful way. It can also help you manage your emotions and reactions in a more positive way.
What’s next?
If you’re in the Sacramento, CA area and have an interest in or more questions about EMDR treatment, please contact Lauren Lowe today.