Trauma and EMDR
(Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Do you suffer from painful memories, disturbing dreams or nightmares?
People who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events or abuse often experience painful memories and sensations that can have an enduring nature. This can have a negative impact on many areas of a persons life including their relationships.
Often, trauma impacts an individuals nervous system in ways that include images and sensations.
People who have experienced traumatic events develop a different sense of the world around them, often feeling anxious and fearful with their surroundings, with a sense they aren't safe anywhere.
Does your heart race, breathing get shallow and you feel like just want to escape?
Traumatic memories can get "stuck" in the brain and body and are expressed with many physiological (body) symptoms including sensations of tingling, hot and/or cold, nausea, anxietyand/or panic, or depression leaving you feeling like you just want to escape from your body and your life!
Often times, we don't realize the connection between our present reactions - such as avoiding people, places and situations, and past experiences. When we allow the opportunity for healing to occur, we develop new awareness of how past events have impacted, even restricted our choices in life and the decisions we've made. We then notice a new freedom, a new sense of 'calm' with a wider range of choices and options for our life - living life more fully!
Do certain situations cause you to react in such a way that people ask "What's the big deal?"
Recognizing the connection between current experiences and past events can be difficult. The effects of trauma can lie dormant, resurfacing days, months and even years later - and in ways you may not be aware of, or at times when you least expect. Maybe there are times you wonder why you react in ways you don't understand leaving you feeling confused about yourself?
Do you sometimes think you'd just like to escape... from your own life?
I am Certified in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy and integrate somatic therapy in my work - both proven to be very effective in the treatment of PTSD. EMDR is effective for working with people who've experienced - or witnessed many kinds of traumatic events including (but not limited to) physical, mental or sexual abuse, car accidents, even witnessing a scary or life threatening event. Therapy provides the opportunity to resolve and heal from painful traumatic experiences and memories. With EMDR, you will notice a significant difference in how you respond when memories are recalled. EMDR has also been shown to be helpful in a broad range of treatments, including anxiety and depression - even self esteem issues.
When traumatic events are resolved, the memories are not erased, they just no longer carry the mental, physical and emotional charge they used to. You will notice a greater sense of control for yourself with less reactivness. You'll feel a greater sense of calm, peace, and clarity allowing you a greater sense of freedom in your life.
You can feel more alive and in control of your life starting today!
My passion is in helping people live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives.
If you want to learn more about EMDR, watch this video.