EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a structured therapy that helps people work through traumatic memories and other distressing experiences that continue to affect their thoughts, emotions, relationships, and physical responses.
The potential EMDR benefits include reduced distress connected to traumatic memories, fewer PTSD symptoms, changes in negative beliefs, and improved ability to respond to reminders of the past. EMDR may also be incorporated into treatment for anxiety, sleep difficulties, and depression when unresolved or distressing experiences are contributing to those concerns.
Acorn Mental Health provides EMDR online for adults located in Maryland and Delaware. Whether you are searching for EMDR in Delaware or EMDR in Maryland, virtual treatment allows you to participate from a private and comfortable location without traveling to an office.
tHe Approach
EMDR: How does it work? During reprocessing, you briefly bring a distressing experience to mind while engaging in alternating right-to-left stimulation, such as guided eye movements or tapping. This is believed to help the brain process the memory so it feels less immediate and has less influence over your present reactions.
EMDR includes eight EMDR phases: history-taking and treatment planning, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. Treatment is not limited to the eye-movement portion. Time is also spent understanding your history, building coping skills, selecting appropriate memories, and making sure you can safely close each session.
EMDR can be used in the treatment of PTSD and may also support therapy for anxiety, sleep problems, and depression. The treatment plan is based on your symptoms, experiences, readiness, and individual needs.
PACED TO YOU
You will not immediately be asked to revisit your most difficult experiences. We begin with preparation and coping skills, then move into processing when you and your therapist agree that you are ready.
Lasting impact
The goal is not simply to manage reactions temporarily. EMDR can help distressing experiences feel more firmly rooted in the past so they have less control over your emotions, beliefs, and daily life.
PREPARING FOR EMDR
For clients beginning EMDR, Getting Past Your Past by Dr. Francine Shapiro is one of the most helpful EMDR books and a great place to start learning how earlier experiences can shape present reactions.
Five helpful tips for beginning EMDR are to be honest about your reactions, practice the coping strategies developed in therapy, notice changes between sessions, avoid pressuring yourself to process too quickly, and discuss any concerns with your therapist. Clients may also keep an EMDR journal and briefly record new memories, dreams, emotions, physical sensations, or insights that arise outside of sessions. Journaling should remain brief rather than becoming an attempt to process difficult memories alone.