Assessment & Treatment
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EMDR Therapy
What is EMDR Used For?
Psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro developed Eye Movement, Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in 1987 to treat post-traumatic stress (PTSD). Since then, it has helped an estimated two million people of all ages relieve many types of psychological distress.
EMDR can be very effective in helping people who do not suffer from major trauma but are nevertheless impacted by adverse childhood experiences. For adults, examples include dysfunctional family environments characterized by lack of nurturing, high conflict/criticism, or alcoholism/substance abuse. For children examples include humiliations such as being bullied; failures; and peer problems. Studies have shown that the impact from general adverse life events such as these can be as devastating, if not more so, than major traumas. EMDR is also used to enhance performance, self-esteem and coping skills.
Extensive research has proven the effectiveness of EMDR in the treatment of:
- Anxiety
- Low self-esteem
- Phobias
- Depression
- Grief
- Relationship difficulties
- Worries about future events such as medical procedures
- Trauma, such as post traumatic stress (PTSD)
EMDR Therapy and Children
EMDR is an evidenced based treatment for children to help them resolve emotionally “stuck” points, any past memories that are causing them disturbance. The EMDR process is different for each child because the healing process is guided from within, as with any intervention. Some children have immediate positive responses while other children may feel tired or upset after EMDR and the benefits come a few days later.
At GMH, EMDR is part of an integrated treatment approach and is often used with other methods such as play therapy and talk therapy. EMDR will be adapted to children through the use of drums, art, and other developmentally appropriate methods.
EMDR Therapists at GMH.
Deborah Planting, L.P.A. completed EMDR training in 2017 and is working towards becoming Certified through EMDRIA. She provides EMDR Therapy for adults.
Clara Penati, LCSWA completed EMDR training in January 2018 and is working towards becoming Certified through EMDRIA. She provides EMDR therapy for children and adolescents.