EMDR Therapy

EMDR Treatment

At The Kraft Group, our trauma specialists take a holistic approach to healing because trauma treatment is as unique as the individual. We are all exposed to negative experiences, or trauma, throughout our life. Some traumatic experiences have a lingering impact. Our trauma professionals incorporate various modalities to support individuals in healing negative memories and releasing the power trauma has on our emotions and body. One such modality to healing these experiences or negative emotions is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing).

What is EMDR?

There is increasing evidence that trauma is “stored” in the body and that it can alter the way the brain works. Trauma can have an effect on our emotions, memory, and physical health. EMDR is form of psychotherapy used to treat troubling symptoms, such as anxiety & panic, guilt, shame, anger, and depression. Desensitization refers to the removal of the emotional disturbance associated with a traumatic memory. Reprocessing refers to the replacement of the unhealthy, negative beliefs associated with traumatic memories, with more healthy, positive beliefs. While EMDR was originally developed using eye movements, further research supports the benefits of EMDR therapy occur through alternating stimulation between the right and left hemispheres of the brain. Bilateral alternating tactile taps or auditory tones offer clients a wider range of choices for effective EMDR treatment.

How does it work?

Our brains have a natural way to recover from traumatic memories and events. This process involves communication between the amygdala (the alarm signal for stressful events), the hippocampus (which assists with learning, including memories about safety and danger), and the prefrontal cortex (which analyzes and controls behavior and emotion). While many times traumatic experiences can be managed and resolved spontaneously, they may not be processed without help. 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 feelings of overwhelm, 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.

Who can benefit from EMDR therapy?

EMDR therapy helps children, teens, and adults. EMDR has been successful in the treatment of:

  • Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias

  • Chronic Illness and medical issues

  • Depression and bipolar disorders

  • Dissociative disorders

  • Eating disorders

  • Grief and loss Pain

  • Performance anxiety

  • Personality disorders

  • PTSD and other trauma and stress-related issues

    It is not recommended to attempt EMDR without a trained EMDR Therapist. If you have questions on how EMDR treatment works and if it is right for you, please call us today to schedule a consultation.