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What Else Can EMDR Therapy Be Used For Besides Trauma?
When most people hear about EMDR therapy, they think of trauma recovery, and for good reason. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) was originally developed to treat PTSD and has decades of research supporting its effectiveness in healing trauma. But that’s not all EMDR can do.
Why EMDR Therapy Works So Well for Teenagers
We’ve seen something remarkable in our work offering therapy for teenagers: many of them respond to EMDR therapy incredibly quickly. We call clients whose brains seem to rapidly make sense of and heal from difficult experiences during EMDR therapy "super-processors." And teens seem to do this at higher rates than older therapy-goers.
Does EMDR Therapy Work For Complex Trauma?
Complex trauma is pervasive and requires a skilled therapist to heal. From attachment wounds to emotional reactivity to nervous system dysregulation, it's a tough lot. EMDR therapy has proven time and again to be effective for trauma, but most research has explored how it works for single incident traumas. So does it work when the trauma is complex?
Will EMDR Therapy Be Too Intense for Me?
EMDR therapy should be adapted to fit your comfort level. A skilled EMDR therapist will always prioritize your safety and well-being. Here’s how EMDR therapy can be made manageable and safe, even if you’re feeling apprehensive.
Does EMDR Therapy Look the Same for Everyone?
EMDR therapy is a powerful and effective method for treating trauma and other mental health issues. But some people are concerned that it might be too rigid or impersonal to work for them. Does EMDR look the same for everyone? Can a structured and standardized protocol really heal our most personal traumas?
How to Identify Trauma: The Mind-Body Gap
Have you ever felt like there's a disconnect between what you logically know is true and what your body believes? This is a common experience for trauma survivors. Trauma is as diverse as the people who experience it, making a common definition difficult, but when there's an inconsistency between what you logically know is true and the signals your body is sending, that's a clue you've got trauma.
Are You Managing Your Trauma Symptoms or Healing Them?
Trauma can leave a wide array of symptoms in its wake. It's very common for people who have trauma to white-knuckle it through life, thinking this is as good as it will get. But true relief can come with healing it. It's absolutely possible; we've seen it happen hundreds of times. But what does it mean to heal trauma? And how do you know which one you're doing?
How to Prepare for Your First EMDR Therapy Session
Most first EMDR sessions have no eye movements. Here's what happens in your first few sessions, how to prepare, and what to do after.
EMDR Floatbacks: Why Your “Biggest” Trauma May Not Be Where You Start
Let's explore why your biggest trauma may not be your EMDR target and how floatbacks play a crucial role in unraveling the complex web of trauma memories.
When Is the Right Time to Start EMDR Therapy?
There's no single right time to start EMDR. When starting early helps, when to wait, how long EMDR usually takes, and whether you must process every trauma.
PTSD After a Car Accident: How EMDR Can Get You On The Road To Recovery
A car accident can leave you feeling emotionally stranded on the side of the road. You might find yourself reliving the accident through flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts. A car accident can disrupt your sense of safety and well-being, impacting various aspects of your life. It can be difficult to get back behind the wheel. But there is hope for healing, and EMDR therapy offers a proven path forward.
Proven Kinds Of Therapy: What They Are And When They’re Helpful
Evidence-based practices are essential foundations in therapy. They're supported by research and clinical experience. Not all therapists use them, and some of these methods may not work for everyone. Here's a brief explanation of different types of therapy and alternatives to consider if these practices don't work for you.
Adjunct EMDR Therapy: Can It Complement Your Current Therapy?
Many people wonder if they can do EMDR therapy without leaving their current therapist who doesn't offer EMDR. You're not alone in wondering about this. The short answer is YES, EMDR can absolutely be used alongside other types of therapy. But there are some important things to know and consider.
EMDR: How to Answer “What Do You Notice?”
If you've ever been in an EMDR therapy session, you might be familiar with the moment when your therapist asks, "What do you notice?" It's a simple question, yet it's not always obvious how to answer. It can sometimes leave us feeling uncertain about how to respond. Let's explore why your therapist asks this question and how to approach it.
What to Do After an EMDR Session (And What to Avoid)
After an EMDR therapy session, it's important to engage in activities to support your processing and integration of the work you did. You worked hard during the session and we want you to get the most out of it. Here are things you can do after an EMDR therapy session to enhance the effects, as well as things you should avoid that could interfere with your processing.
Webinar: EMDR 101
Curious about EMDR therapy and how it can help you heal your trauma? Watch our free webinar to learn more and decide if this powerful therapy is right for you.
Why You Can't Find Words to Talk About Your Trauma
Can't find the words to talk about your trauma? Here's what trauma does to the brain's language centers, and what can help you find them.
How EMDR Can Help You Heal From Sexual Trauma
Sexual assault can shatter your sense of safety, leaving you with a tangle of emotions. You might feel fear, anger, shame, and even guilt. You might find yourself experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, or struggling with trust and intimacy. You might feel like part of you shut down or got blocked off. These reactions are normal responses to a traumatic event. EMDR therapy offers a path towards healing from sexual trauma.
Debunking 10 Common Myths About EMDR Therapy
Is EMDR legit? Yes. Here are 10 common EMDR myths, from erased memories to DIY apps, with the short answer to each and what's true instead.
What to Expect After EMDR: After Effects, Side Effects, and Post-Session Symptoms
If you’re considering Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), it makes sense to wonder what to expect. You've probably heard great things. And the research backs this up: EMDR is effective for treating PTSD and is a potent trauma therapy. But it's also a weird modality. Side-to-side stimulation helps process trauma? What the heck should you expect? Here’s what to expect after an EMDR session.
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We offer individualized teletherapy for a wide range of mental health and relational issues. Our San Francisco & Los Angeles therapists can help with anxiety, trauma therapy, EMDR therapy, LGBT gay and lesbian therapy issues, holistic therapy, enneagram therapy, therapy for lawyers, couples therapy, therapy for burnout, and therapy for teenagers. We serve many people in San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Los Angeles, as well as throughout California and Florida. Our team is anti-racist, body positive, LGBT and trans affirming and sex positive. You deserve to feel good!