WHAT IS EMDR?
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a powerful psychotherapy approach discovered by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987 that has helped an estimated two million people of all ages relieve many types of psychological distress.
WHAT TYPES OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUES CAN EMDR TREAT?
Scientific research has established EMDR is an evidence-based treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Clinicians have reported success using EMDR in treatment of the following other issues: Personality Disorders, Panic Attacks, Complicated Grief, Dissociative Disorders, Disturbing Memories, Phobias, Body Dysmorphic Disorders, Eating Disorders, Performance Anxiety, Stress Reduction, Addictions, Sexual and/or Physical Abuse, Pain Disorders.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
A typical session lasts from 60-90 minutes. Some insurance companies do not reimburse for this amount of time. If you are requesting EMDR therapy, some clients decide to pay private pay rates to ensure a sufficient amount of time for EMDR to be incorporated into your session. The type of problem, circumstances of the client, and the amount of previous trauma will determine how many sessions are necessary. Many clinicians have noticed how EMDR can significantly shorten the length of therapy when used adjunctively to traditional “talk therapy” or used as a treatment all by itself. Some clients report relief immediately or within a few sessions, even if the disturbing memory has been haunting them for decades.
CAN EMDR HELP MY CHILD?
Yes, EMDR helps children resolve their upsetting, sad, or scary thoughts and feelings related to painful or distressing experiences so that they can return to their normal developmental tasks and prior levels of coping, and strengthen their feelings of confidence, calmness, and mastery.
EMDR can be used with children and adolescents (as well as adults). Research suggests that EMDR has been successfully used with preverbal children, as well as teens who do not want to talk out loud about the upsetting issues. Please ask your counselor for helpful ways to explain EMDR to your child or teen.
Please call us at (515) 727-1338 or fill out our online form to request an appointment and one of our staff to set an appointment up with one of our staff who is specialized in this area.
Contents of this page are referenced from the EMDR International Association (2011). “What Is EMDR?” Brochure and the EMDR International Association (2011). “EMDR & Children” Brochure