Healing With EMDR After Traumatic Events
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was originally developed in 1987 to help patients experiencing symptoms related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is a form of psychotherapy that fully helps clients heal from traumatic and disturbing experiences. Using eye movement and other bilateral stimulation, clinicians help to activate natural mental healing processes for clients.
We offer therapy sessions and psychological assessments in Spanish as well / También ofrecemos sesiones de terapia y evaluaciones psicológicas en español.
EMDR Treatment Process
EMDR is an eight-step neurological treatment utilized in a therapeutic setting to assist with identifying, challenging, and reprocessing negative core beliefs. It is a more “free form” type of therapy that relies on the client’s nervous system to guide treatment. EMDR utilizes bilateral stimulation to challenge different parts of the brain. This stimulation can come in many forms, including a light bar, following the clinician’s fingers, or moving the eyes to two points in the room back and forth. Auditory stimulations (songs or beeping) and physical stimulation (tapping) can also be used.
The Eight-Step Process
- History & Treatment Plan
- Preparing for Processing
- Assessment
- Desensitization
- Installation
- Body Scan
- Closure
- Reevaluation
Get started with emdr at West Michigan Psychological Services
We have EMDR therapists ready and available to meet your needs. Once your insurance is checked and all intake paperwork is complete, an EMDR therapist will reach out to you when they have the availability to take you on. In the meantime, don’t be afraid to do your own research on EMDR. A great place to start is Francine Shapiro’s book, Getting Past Your Past, which breaks down EMDR and provides simple, easy exercises you can do at home to understand yourself and begin to change your life.
WMPS is a Michigan-based private practice with offices in Holland, Norton Shores, and Grand Haven, Michigan. Our psychologists and therapists are passionate about helping kids, adults, and families overcome life’s challenges through evidence-based care. Each service is entirely confidential and individually tailored to your needs.
