EMDR Therapy in Florida: Everything You Want to Know About Healing Trauma

Could EMDR be the therapy that finally helps you move past what’s holding you back?

If you’ve been feeling stuck and experiencing cycles of anxiety, trauma responses, low self-esteem, or emotional dysregulation -despite trying to “talk it out”- you’re not alone. Many women have experience with years of personal growth work and still feel like they’re carrying the weight of past experiences that they Just. Can’t. Let. Go.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a research-backed, evidenced-based therapy that helps you process those memories and emotional blocks on a deeper level, so you can finally feel the freedom in your mind that you desire.

Let’s break down the basics of EMDR Therapy so you can decide if it’s right for you.

IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN EMDR THERAPY, THIS IS FOR YOU…

What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. The therapy uses bilateral stimulation (BLS) such as eye movements, tapping or sounds to help integrate the 2 hemispheres of the brain while reprocessing a memory.

The BLS taps into the brain’s natural healing process called Adaptive Information Processing (or AIP), which helps lessen the emotional reaction that your mind has attached to the specific traumatic memory or feeling.

EMDR is a common treatment used with veterans for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and has been adapted for a wide range of issues (see below).

How EMDR sessions work? (a quick step-by-step)

EMDR follows a specific protocol which includes 8 Phases. They include: (1) history taking, (2) preparation, (3) assessment, (4) desensitization, (5) installation, (6) body scan, (7) closure, and (8) reevaluation.

When people think of EMDR, they’re typically referring to Phases 3-7. This is because these are the Phases when a client is reprocessing trauma while utilizing the BLS (bilateral stimulation) and assessing for progress, and are the Phases that are most talked about by advocates of this therapy. This part of EMDR can last for several sessions, or as long as it takes to reprocess the targeted memory.

Preparation for EMDR is important because the client can gain tools that will help ensure they’re engaged and able to move through the treatment. It’s also possible to feel “drained” or emotional during and after sessions, so ensuring sessions are “closed” properly and clients are prepped adequately is all important in the entire healing process.

If you’d like a little more, here’s a breakdown of the Phases!

  1. History Taking

    What happens: therapist gathers info about history, symptoms, and potential memories to be processed

    Why it’s important: helps identify the root cause of the distress and ensure EMDR is the best approach

  2. Preparation

    What happens: therapist explains the EMDR process, teaches coping (resourcing) and grounding techniques to be utilized during and outside of sessions

    Why it’s important: helps ensure the client can stay regulated and feel safe before, during and after sessions

  3. Assessment

    What happens: client identifies a specific memory, related negative belief and desired positive relief - these are all also rated on specific rating scales to help measure progress

    Why it’s important: helps the client rate the intensity of the thoughts associated with the memory and assess their belief in the intended positive thought

  4. Desensitization

    What happens: this is what people think of when they think of EMDR! this is when the client focuses on the memory while engaging in BLS

    Why it’s important: helps the client reprocess the memory so that it no longer causes the distress it once did

  5. Installation

    What happens: therapist helps the client strengthen the positive belief using BLS

    Why it’s important: helps the client belief in a new, healthier, more productive thought

  6. Body Scan

    What happens: client does a mental body scan while thinking of the memory and new positive belief to identify any lingering tension or sensations

    Why it’s important: helps the client address not only the thoughts and mental images that trauma can cause, but also the physical sensations linked to that memory

  7. Closure

    What happens: therapist helps the client return to a calmer state with techniques, even if the process isn’t complete (usually due to time constraints)

    Why it’s important: helps the client leave the session feeling safe and grounded, without carrying distress with them

  8. Reevaluation

    What happens: the next time the client is in session, they’ll check in about the memory that was processed, reassess any symptoms and identify the next ‘target’ or memory to be worked on

    Why it’s important: helps the client identify anything that came up after the previous session and continue building on their healing

What kind of issues can EMDR help?

EMDR is known in the mainstream as the effective treatment for trauma, but it’s also helpful for many other symptoms and disorders.

EMDR Therapy can help with:

  • anxiety

  • chronic pain

  • grief

  • performance

  • phobias

  • body image issues

  • panic attacks

  • depression

  • physical symptoms

  • and so much more…

Benefits of EMDR Therapy:

EMDR is a proven technique for a range of disorders an symptoms, such as PTSD, anxiety, and trauma. Many people think EMDR is only for adults, but protocols have been adapted for children and teens as well.

Studies have shown that EMDR can provide relief in single-trauma survivors in such a powerful way that participants no longer met the criteria for PTSD after only a few sessions. EMDR is recognized as a first-line treatment by VA (Veteran Affairs), WHO (World Health Organization), and APA (American Psychological Association) for PTSD recovery.

Other Benefits of EMDR Therapy include:

  • dramatically reduces distress

  • improved self-esteem

  • less anxiety and depression

  • more resilience

  • deep mind–body healing

  • reduction in the physical symptoms of stress, anxiety and trauma

How to choose the right EMDR therapist for you - 4 steps to make it easy:

  1. Search for EMDR Therapists on Google. (I’m using our local area but you can input your local community to find therapists near you.)

    Here are some examples of search terms you can use:

  • EMDR Therapist in Bradenton, Florida near me

  • EMDR Therapy near me for trauma treatment

  • EMDR for anxiety in Bradenton, Florida

    2. You can also visit PsychologyToday.com and search your zip code and filter for EMDR.

    3. Identify what you’d like help with or “where” you’ve been feeling stuck, and request a consultation with the therapist to ask them if they have experience working with people who have similar experiences and/or symptoms.


    4. Inquire about session frequency and typical treatment length - EMDR is adapted for your needs but typical protocol is that it lasts for 6-12 sessions

    Remember, it’s okay to ask questions or talk to a couple therapists in order to find the right fit.

EMDR is a very specific therapy protocol that can be adapted to a variety of issues and symptoms. I encourage you to ask questions and find a therapy that will meet your needs - so much healing happens within the relationship, so ensuring you feel comfortable with your therapy is important. As with any kind of therapy, it’s important to be honest (with yourself and your therapist) and be willing to show up in order to make progress, experience growth and improve symptoms. Whether it’s today or in the future, we’re here to support you when you’re ready.

~Lori


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