Patty Hills, MSW, RSW - Registered Social Worker & Certified EMDR Therapist
EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) is a integrative psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference much faster. EMDR uses detailed protocols and procedures, with bilateral movement, to help the brain to work through and remove the emotional wound caused by trauma so that the client's resiliency can once again thrive. EMDR is an well research, evidence based treatment endorsed the the American Psychiatric Association, and the World Health Organization as an effective treatment for trauma (www.EMDR.com)
Many of clients I work with have been impacted by living through negative traumatic life events that have negatively impacted their perception of trust in themselves, their attachment relationships, and the world. We are all vulnerable to symptoms of PTSD which generally includes symptoms of hyperarousal, or avoidance of things that remind us of the traumatic event. When we are triggered and flip into survival mode it can have a negative impact on being able to do the things we want or need to in our daily lives. It can leave us feeling anxious, depressed, stressed and overwhelmed. For those who did not receive the gift of secure attachment the impact of trauma can be even more overwhelming.
Calming techniques for containment, calming, grounding, and mindfulness are also taught and practiced.
For more information about EMDR please check out the EMDR International Association Website at www.EMDRIA.org.
EMDR can help you...
-Learn how to contain intrusive thoughts, emotions and body sensations and self-soothe until you can clear them
-Strengthen your positive beliefs about yourself
-Learn to tolerate & regulate your emotions
-Learn to listen to your body & your own inner wisdom
-Utilize grounding, calming and relaxation strategies so have choice about how to manage your emotional state
-Desensitize traumatic memories so they no longer distress you
-Tap into your own internal strengthens, resources and attributes in managing day-to-day challenges -Move on from distressing memories
-Overcome avoidance and blocks to healing
-Manage and soothe anxiety and panic
-Strengthen healthy coping patterns
-Learn skills for strengthening the sense of security you have in your connection with your child
-Learn skills for strengthening friendship, active listening and managing conflict with your partner
-Increase your confidence that you can manage work/performance stress