EMDR can be used as another tool in counseling to help clients to heal from negative beliefs and traumatic past events. These events and beliefs can have a negative hold on moving forward.  Often clients will say that these are the things that keep them stuck. Provided is a formal explanation of EMDR.  Please feel free to ask questions if you feel this technique could be useful to your healing.

EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy for Post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In addition, successful outcomes are well-documented in the literature for EMDR treatment of other psychiatric disorders, mental health problems, and somatic symptoms. The model on which EMDR is based, Adaptive Information Processing (AIP), posits that much of psychopathology is due to the maladaptive encoding of and/or incomplete processing of traumatic or disturbing adverse life experiences. This impairs the client’s ability to integrate these experiences in an adaptive manner. The eight-phase, three-pronged process of EMDR facilitates the resumption of normal information processing and integration. This treatment approach, which targets past experience, current triggers, and future potential challenges, results in the alleviation of presenting symptoms, a decrease or elimination of distress from the disturbing memory, improved view of the self, relief from bodily disturbance, and resolution of present and future anticipated triggers.

Framework - Through EMDR, resolution of traumatic and disturbing adverse life experiences is accomplished with a unique standardized set of procedures and clinical protocols which incorporates dual focus of attention and alternating bilateral visual, auditory and/or tactile stimulation. This process activates the components of the memory of disturbing life events and facilitates the resumption of adaptive information processing and integration.

REFERANCES

“I have had the honor working with Michell for over 10 years. I have always felt good when I could refer a patient of mine to her for psychotherapy. Michelle has the the alignmentnment of heart, mind and spirit that is needed in mental health care. She is a gem!” ~Dr. Karen Horst

Over the past 10 years working as a RN and Lactation Consultant at Lutheran Medical Center and Saint Joseph Hospital I have had the privilege of working alongside Michelle, learning from her the importance of self care and balancing Motherhood. I trust her 100% to support the families I refer. She is kind, caring and empowers women to become their very best selves.   ~Katie Halverstadt RN

“Michelle is a well-rounded therapist who has a vast amount of knowledge pertaining to women’s mental health. She is consciousness and thoughtful with her approach and is a valued mental health colleague.” Jessica Oldham PMHNP ,RN Psychiatric Nurse

“EMDRIA’s Definition of EMDR”  (2012, February 12).

American Psychiatric Association (2000), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition, Washington DC. Shapiro, F. (2001). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, 2nd edition, N.Y.: The Guilford Press.