EMDR Therapy in Eugene, Oregon

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR stands for Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It was developed in the 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro, PhD, to help people, such as war combat veterans, recover from traumatic memories. It was further expanded and proven to be effective for a wide variety of people with a multitude of mental and behavioral health disorders. EMDR involves stimulating both sides of the brain, which is similar to the process of REM sleep (rapid eye movement).

By using back-and-forth eye movements* while being consciously aware of traumatic memories, people we able to alleviate distress caused by the memories.

As a trained EMDR therapist, I guide people in EMDR techniques to reduce their distress associated with traumatic memories. EMDR is effective in an online therapy setting, as I teach people how to use the techniques in their own location.

*If the eye movements are uncomfortable for the client, there are other options that can achieve the tasks of stimulating both sides of the brain, such as repeated self-tapping on left and right shoulders. The therapist will guide the client to find their best fit.

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

EMDR is a structured therapy organized into eight phases:

  • EMDR starts with a detailed history of the client’s life and experiences, to determine whether EMDR will be effective for the client’s treatment goals.  The therapist evaluates the client’s needs, coping skills, strengths, and current life stressors that may impact treatment. During phase one, establishing rapport between the therapist and the client is of paramount importance, as this is crucial in developing psychological and emotional safety. In addition, the therapist assesses several issues to consider, including physical health issues, neurological impairment history, life stability, social supports, drug and alcohol use, timing, and medication needs, to determine if EMDR is the appropriate therapeutic approach. Phase one includes determining a detailed plan for treatment, which requires evaluating the nature of the traumatic events, description of current symptoms, duration of symptoms, initial cause of disturbances, and additional past occurrences that have contributed to the problems. The client is invited to express their desired state of being. In other words, the client says how they envision themselves healing. Then we identify “target memories,” which are memories chosen for reprocessing in a later phase of treatment.

  • EMDR phase 2 involves continuing to establish a safe therapeutic relationship, explaining the details of EMDR and its impact, and addressing any client concerns and emotional needs. EMDR therapy in Eugene and all locations includes an explanation of how to utilize the eye movements in the processing stage. I teach the client how to orient themselves into the therapy sessions for maximum benefit. Preparation also includes self-regulation strategies, such as creating a Safe/calm state, which is beneficial for self-soothing.

  • During the assessment phase, the EMDR therapist in Eugene determines the components of the “target memory.” The target memory is a disturbing memory associated with current distress. The target memory has been determined during phase one. The therapist will ask the client to describe an image in their mind that best represents the target memory, followed by the identification of additional components: negative self-talk associated with the memory, alternative more positive self-talk, a numerical rating of how valid the positive thought feels to the client, emotions associated with the memory,  a rating of how disturbing the memory is, and body sensations associated with the memory. Each component is vital to reprocessing the memory.

  • Desensitization is guided by the EMDR therapist. During this phase, the therapist will prompt the client to use the eye movements previously taught in phase 2. The therapist will prompt the client to pause periodically and state what is happening with them (whether it is a thought, a mental image, an emotion, a body sensation, or anything else). There are no wrong answers on the client’s part; whatever comes up is supposed to come up. Periodically, the EMDR therapist will ask the client to rate the level of disturbance that they feel while bringing up the target memory. This phase is designed to reduce the level of disturbance to 0 or 1 out of 10 on the rating scale.

  • An “installation” of a positive thought is the goal of phase five. The EMDR therapist collaborates with the client to determine an ideal thought they want to instill in themselves as a result of EMDR treatment. Examples of this may include: “I am worthy,” “I am loveable,” “I am capable,” “I belong,” or anything else that the client deems appropriate for their own journey.  This phase also includes eye movements.

  • The EMDR therapist directs the client to focus on their body and pay attention to any physical sensations that arise. As physical sensations arise, the therapist prompts the client to use more eye movements. Ultimately, the goal of this phase is to use the EMDR to the extent that physical discomfort dissipates in the moment. The underlying theory is that the body holds information about our traumatic memories, even if we are not consciously aware of a disturbance.

  • Closure of the EMDR session involves the therapist checking in with client’s mental and emotional well-being and providing self-regulation skills and support. In addition, the therapist debriefs the client about possible aftereffects of reprocessing, including new thoughts, feelings, insights, dreams, or physical sensations that may arise between therapy sessions.

  • Reevaluation is necessary for successful EMDR therapy. This phase is the start of the next sessions after the previous phases were completed. During this phase, the therapist determines how well the treatment has resolved the disturbance, and determines whether any of the material should be processed further. It is also the opportunity to reevaluate the overall treatment plan and determine next steps.

EMDR Standard Three-pronged protocol

EMDR therapy’s three prongs are past, present, and future. As an EMDR therapist, I assist people in exploring their past for greater understanding of how the problems arose. The past experiences of the client guide the treatment moving forward. The present is just as crucial, as it is important to understand how the person is functioning in the current day, and what they want to get out of EMDR therapy. Lastly, the future is a critical piece, because EMDR asks the person to imagine the future they want. How do you want to feel, think, and behave differently in the world as a result of processing your traumatic memories? EMDR therapy in Oregon can help you reimagine the way you approach life.

Benefits of EMDR Therapy

Treating Trauma and PTSD

EMDR is an effective treatment for those that suffer from trauma and PTSD, confirmed by approximately 30 random control trials and 22 nonrandomized studies (Shapiro, Francine. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Third Edition: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. Guilford Publications, 2017).

Researchers theorize that the structured and procedural nature of EMDR therapy provides people with a physiological state that is conducive to information processing. When clients are able to process the information in a specific way offered by EMDR therapy, they tend to come out of therapy with more adaptive resolutions to their problems.

Trauma can keep us frozen in the place where it happened. So often, that ends up being a childhood state. EMDR unlocks the pathways in our brains that allow us to move into an adult state. What used to be a feeling of powerlessness, lack of choice, lack of control, and inadequacy, can transform into a feeling of empowerment, freedom, agency, and worthiness.

Managing Chronic Pain in Eugene, Oregon

EMDR has been shown to be effective in supporting sufferers of chronic pain, when it is used in conjunction with the appropriate medical interventions. EMDR can help empower individuals to have an elevated sense of control and self-efficacy. EMDR therapists teach affect regulation techniques to alleviate emotional suffering, reprocess intrusive thoughts, reprocess relevant memories and present circumstances, and guide client in developing future plans. In addition, I can collaborate with the client to make an action plan to address needs, which would involve helping you to find pain management in Eugene, Oregon.

Addressing Anxiety and Depression

Eugene mental health services and other location offerings can include a comprehensive focus on alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression. EMDR is particularly suited to address the physical discomfort (e.g., muscle tension, unease) associated with anxiety, with a number of self soothing and self-regulation techniques. Anxiety often comes with excessive worry thoughts, which can be addressed and targeted in the reprocessing phase of EMDR. Often people with anxiety emerge with a sense of peace after processing their negative thinking patterns. EMDR addresses depressive symptoms, as people often gain a sense of enhanced self-worth and efficacy which can be impaired as a result of depression.

Schedule an EMDR session today!

Why Choose EMDR E-Therapy?

I am often asked the question “Where can I find EMDR therapy near me?” You have already come to the right place. Mend House Therapy allows you to get the benefits of this tried-and-true therapy method from your home. You can work with a trained EMDR therapist remotely to reach your goals. E-therapy has made a huge impact on many individuals that are seeking recovery and healing from mental health disorders.

Who Can Benefit from EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy has been documented as effective to alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD, phobias, panic, anxiety disorders, grief, sexual assault trauma, sexual dysfunction, accident or injury trauma, pain, performance anxiety, and depression. Eugene therapy can be effective for helping you alleviate a variety of mental health challenges.

Get in Touch Today

Email us at mendhousetherapy@protonmail.com to schedule your consultation.