EMDR Therapy:

EMDR therapy is an acronym for a model of psychotherapy called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. This innovative and powerful psychotherapy model was developed by Dr Francine Shapiro in 1987 primarily to address the impact of trauma, particularly Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is also now being used effectively for many other problems including anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, depression, addictions, and abuse. Rigorously controlled studies of EMDR therapy have been published that substantiate its efficacy. Numerous international organizations and government bodies have endorsed it including:

The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
The US Department of Defense
The American Psychological Association
The American Psychiatric Association
The World Health Organization

EMDR therapy is a systematic approach involving bilateral sensory stimulation, such as eye-movements, tapping or sounds, administered while a client focuses on difficult feelings, anxiety, psychological and somatic symptoms or disturbing memories. Psychotherapy which utilizes EMDR therapy, seems to facilitate the natural processing abilities of the brain and nervous system. An individual's normal healing abilities are activated and the body-mind balance is supported in its inner capacity to mend.

What kind of problems can EMDR therapy treat?

EMDR therapy is effective in treating individuals who have experienced psychological difficulties arising from traumatic experiences, such as assault, motor vehicle accidents, war trauma, torture, natural disasters, sexual abuse and childhood neglect. It is also increasingly used to treat complaints that are not necessarily trauma-related, such as panic disorder, phobias, performance anxiety, self-esteem issues and other anxiety-related disorders. To date, EMDR has helped an estimated half a million people of all ages relieve many types of psychological distress. It is rapid, safe and effective. 

A typical EMDR therapy session lasts about 80 minutes. The type of problem, life circumstances, and the amount of previous trauma will determine how many treatment sessions are necessary. Many clients who have made slow progress in the past, or who have not benefited from more traditional talk therapies say that with EMDR therapy they have finally found something that works for them!

I am a Certified EMDR Therapist, which means that I have completed Level 1 & 2 EMDR Basic Training Certificate and as well as completed 20 hours of supervision with an EMDR Supervisor, completed a minimum of 50 clinical EMDR sessions, and completed minimum of 12 hours continuing education in EMDR every two years. 

EMDR Workshops Attended:

-  EMDR To Treat Anxiety Disorders with Dr. Philippe Gauvreau, Psychologist, EMDRIA approved Trainer and Consultant

-  Using EMDR To Treat Complex Trauma with Dr. Philippe Gauvreau, Psychologist, EMDRIA approved Trainer and Consultant
-  Attachment-Focused EMDR with Laurel Parnell, PhD

Supervision:

I have completed 20 hours of individual EMDR supervision with  Dr. Philippe Gauvreau, Psychologist, EMDRIA approved Trainer and Consultant. I continue with monthly EMDR supervision as I believe that ongoing supervision is key to ongoing professional growth and skill development. 

If you are considering initiating EMDR therapy, feel free to ask the following questions:

1. Have you completed Level 1 and Level 2 EMDR Basic Training and when did you receive your training? The training has changed significantly and if it was 10 years ago, clinicians have been advised to re-certify.

2. Are you a certified EMDR therapist?

3. What are your experiences with this method of therapy?

4. Would EMDR be useful to treat my difficulties?

To Learn more about EMDR Therapy Visit:

www.emdria.org

www.emdrcanada.org