About EMDR

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) Therapy is a trauma-focused psychotherapy that helps clients heal and move through the painful effects of trauma or other disturbing life events. EMDR therapy is also beneficial when a client is “stuck” or other types of psychotherapy have not resolved symptoms. Using bi-lateral stimulation, the brain is able to reprocess traumatic memories in a healthy way.

At South Collective Counseling, we use hand pulsators as the form of bi-lateral stimulation. Other forms of bi-lateral stimulation used in EMDR include visual and auditory senses. EMDR is different than traditional counseling as it requires less talking about emotionally painful issues. EMDR is not focused on trying to change maladaptive emotions, thoughts, or behaviors, but allows the brain to heal naturally:

“Stress responses are part of our natural fight, flight, or freeze instincts. When distress from a disturbing event remains, the upsetting images, thoughts, and emotions may create an overwhelming feeling of being back in that moment, or of being “frozen in time.” EMDR therapy helps the brain process these memories, and allows normal healing to resume. The experience is still remembered, but the fight, flight, or freeze response from the original event is resolved.” (EMDRIA.org, https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/)

EMDR is not hypnosis either, as the client is always in control. Learn more about EMDR and the 8-phases of EMDR Therapy here: https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/

Common Issues EMDR Treats:

EMDR Therapy can help individuals of all ages facing a wide-range of issues, including but not limited to:

• Panic Attacks & Anxiety

• Depression & bipolar disorder

• Eating disorders

• Grief and loss

• Pain

• Performance anxiety

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  ….and more

If you are interested in EMDR Therapy at South Collective Counseling for yourself or a loved one, please get in touch today! A fully trained EMDR therapist will be happy to answer questions and explore your needs in a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation call.