Shea Lasiter, LPC

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) is a type of therapy proven highly effective for the treatment of trauma and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). It is also very effective in treating symptoms and emotional distress resulting from disturbing life events.

 

Most people think of trauma as only resulting from "Big Trauma" or "Big T's"such as physical/sexual abuse, combat in war, natural disasters, or experiences of first responders such as police officers and firefighters. Although these experiences often cause trauma/PTSD, other life experiences can have similar impacts on individuals. These disturbing life events may be considered more "Small Trauma" or "Small T's" and vary greatly but include such experiences as divorce of parents, unhealthy/toxic relationships, growing up in a family with dysfunctional patterns, bullying/teasing, grief/loss and the list goes on and on. 

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EMDR stimulates the brains information processing system by using eye movements (or other movements) similar to REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. During REM sleep the brain sorts through information and lets go of things it doesn't need. Because trauma is stored differently in the brain it is often triggered easily and is re-experienced as if it's happening all over again. The intensity of the emotions, thoughts, images and body/physical experience in the present can be just as intense as the day it happened. 

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EMDR therapy brings the intensity level of triggers and emotional distress down significantly and often completely. EMDR therapy helps individuals make connections and gain insights. Sometimes individuals already have the needed insights and know what they need to change but are unable to make the emotional shifts needed for change. It's like a disconnect between what you know in your head to be true and what you feel to be true in your gut/emotions. EMDR helps individuals make those emotional shifts. One of the fascinating aspects of EMDR is it's ability to get to the root causes of the negative belief systems that can drive our emotions, thoughts and behaviors. EMDR therapy can often achieve results much more quickly than traditional talk therapy.

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Admittedly, EMDR at first glance can seem weird, hocus pocus, and/or a little "out there". But the reality is that EMDR has been supported by research since the late 1980's and is recommended worldwide as a treatment of choice for trauma. 

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As a Certified EMDR Therapist I am committed to providing effective EMDR therapy and staying updated on current research and training related to EMDR.. I use EMDR therapy with the majority of my clients due to the significant results that can be achieved using this type of therapy. 

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