EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION AND REPROCESSING (emdr)

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What is EMDR?  

EMDR is a useful therapy for finding resolution for traumatic incidents.  It is not limited to catastrophic events, but also works with what is called "small 't' traumas" that can debilitate, interfering with one's beliefs about themselves and the world. Sometimes trauma is from a specific event, other times it is due to a string of events throughout one's life.  

EMDR is a well-researched and effective treatment option.  It was initially developed for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), yet has been proven to be effective for individuals who have experienced a variety of negative and painful life events. It involves brief exposure to a difficult memory and simultaneous bilateral stimulation in the form of eye movements, sounds, or hand-held tappers.  It strengthens our brain's natural ability to recover from traumatic events.  

It is important to recognize that EMDR will not cause memories to disappear from your story.  The beauty is it helps you to re-author your story, so your story does not hold you hostage, nor define you, but gives you power over it.  

EMDR can help you come to terms with issues from your family background, traumatic events you've face big or small, as well as current life stressors.  EMDR is considered one of the most thorough and efficient treatments particularly for anxiety, depression, traumatic grief and loss. 

The Christian Faith and EMDR 

As a devout follower of Jesus, I find that many of us struggle to internalize the depth of  God's unconditional love and acceptance, often because of lies we believe about ourselves based on unresolved traumas, relationships or messages from others.  Trauma Specialist Bessel van der Kolk suggests "The greatest source of suffering are the lies we believe about ourselves."  I use a Christian based EMDR protocol to work through the trauma based lies with the aim at helping people live in their freedom in Christ.  In the Bible, there is a saying "There is a balm in Gilead" symbolic for a healing salve.  My hope as a Christian and a therapist is to walk alongside others using this methodology always with the redemptive work of the Holy Spirit.

I have participated in quite a bit of advanced training using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as a clinical tool.  

I received training in EMDR in 2009.  I became board certified as an EMDR clinician in 2014 which required multiple advanced trainings.  I was a facilitator and trainer for EMDR trainings in Oakland, CA.  In 2018, I became an EMDR Consultant.  It is important to me to understand the various nuances of EMDR theory and therapies, therefore I’ve taken advanced training in applying EMDR for the following specific populations:

·  Grief, Loss and Mourning 

·  Recent Events – EMDR focused on a recent event, i.e. – accident, assault. 

·  Attachment Focused

·  EMDR with Christian Clients – EMDR that specifically addresses issues of faith using various techniques within a Christ-based framework.   

·  Navigating Complex Trauma

I am an approved EMDR consultant with the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). I offer consultation to newly trained EMDR Therapists as well as consult EMDR therapists on their clinical cases.  I've recently worked as a facilitator at an EMDR training for therapists learning EMDR.  Please contact me for more information about my consultation services.  

I am passionate about EMDR and its potential to help people resolve issues.  I am available to answer any questions you might have about EMDR.