EMDR Therapy Available in Parsippany, NJ
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from different treatment approaches, making it a versatile and effective tool for addressing a wide range of psychological issues. At M & H Counseling, we offer EMDR therapy to clients in Parsippany, New Jersey.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR therapy utilizes a technique called bilateral stimulation to repeatedly activate opposite sides of the brain. Therapists often use eye movements to facilitate this bilateral stimulation, mimicking the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep cycle, a period when the brain processes recent events. EMDR can assist clients in uncovering beliefs developed due to relational traumas, childhood abuse, and neglect.
What Does EMDR Help?
Originally established as a treatment for PTSD, EMDR has proven useful for various conditions, including:
- Panic attacks - EMDR can help reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks.
- Complicated grief - It aids in processing and resolving prolonged or intense grief.
- Dissociative disorders - EMDR helps integrate fragmented parts of the psyche.
- Disturbing memories - It facilitates the reprocessing of troubling past experiences.
- Phobias - EMDR can diminish irrational fears.
- Pain disorders - It is used to alleviate chronic pain associated with trauma.
- Performance anxiety - EMDR helps improve confidence and reduce anxiety in performance settings.
- Addictions - It addresses the underlying trauma that often contributes to addictive behaviors.
- Stress reduction - EMDR techniques are effective in managing and reducing stress.
- Sexual and/or physical abuse - It helps survivors process and heal from abuse.
- Body dysmorphic disorders - EMDR aids in addressing distorted self-images.
- Personality disorders - It assists in managing symptoms and improving functioning.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
Do you experience distressing emotions that appear excessive given the current situation? Are you highly reactive to certain triggers? Do you hold dysfunctional beliefs about yourself that you intellectually know are untrue? Even if your symptoms do not fit neatly into one category, EMDR therapy might still be beneficial for you.
The EMDR Therapy Process
EMDR therapy typically involves eight phases:
- History taking - Understanding your history and the specific issues you want to address.
- Preparation - Explaining the EMDR process and teaching relaxation techniques.
- Assessment - Identifying target memories and establishing baseline measures.
- Desensitization - Using bilateral stimulation to reprocess disturbing memories.
- Installation - Reinforcing positive beliefs to replace negative ones.
- Body scan - Checking for residual physical tension and addressing it.
- Closure - Ensuring you leave each session feeling stable.
- Reevaluation - Reviewing progress and planning further treatment as needed.
Contact Us
If you believe EMDR therapy might be right for you, contact us today for a free phone consultation. Let M & H Counseling help you release what no longer serves you and guide you toward a healthier, happier life. We proudly help clients in Parsippany, NJ.