EMDR
EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprocessing) is an alternative therapeutic approach that helps clients reduce the traumatic effects of adverse life experiences. EMDR goes beyond traditional therapy to interactively reprocess maladaptively stored memories that lead to problems in daily life. Some examples of problems that are helped by EMDR:
- Addiction
- Anxiety and Phobias
- Chronic Pain
- Depression
- Grief and Mourning
- OCD
- PTSD: abuse and neglect; accidents; bullying; combat; disasters, etc.)
- Self-esteem
- Sexual Dysfunction
EMDR is an evidenced-based therapy approach validated by many research studies that are recognized by the APA, VA, and WHO. The process involves history taking and preparation including some specific emotional regulation skills. EMDR is effective and is also emotionally activating. It is important for clients to have some effective calming skills in-place before starting EMDR. A good metaphor for how EMDR can help you: imagine you are driving through a tunnel, like the McHenry Tunnel. Your car stalls. You can’t get it started. EMDR procedures are like the tow truck you call to get a jump-start. The EMDR process gets the car started so you can drive through the tunnel and out the other side. I am a certified EMDR therapist. EMDR is covered by insurance. In my practice, the client pays me $120.00 out-of-pocket after each session. They then bill their insurance for the session and keep any reimbursement.