EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a clinically proven, empirically studied treatment for trauma. EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from many different treatment approaches. EMDR can be used for both Major Traumas, like physical abuse, and minor traumas, such as car accidents or loss of a loved one. EMDR has also been shown to help individuals who are overcoming phobias.

EMDR Brings Relief for Trauma, Anxiety and Addictions

The psychological pain of trauma, anxiety, addictions, and phobias can be devastating to one’s ability to function and enjoy life. These conditions are also hard to treat effectively, but thanks to an innovative therapeutic treatment, called EMDR, the brain’s own processing functions can now be used to alleviate the symptoms of addiction, trauma, even chronic pain, without drugs or extensive rehabilitation.

Developed by Francine Shapiro, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic technique that has been used by two million people with real success. Extensive research and clinical testing have shown it to be incredibly effective in treating trauma and its symptoms (depression, anxiety, addictions). The lingering effects of trauma impact millions of Americans, from soldiers with PTSD to the victims of car accidents, abuse and violent crime. “Our brains are wired for healing,” says Kathy Higgins, MS, MA, LPC, LAC, and that means that in a safe therapeutic setting, with a trained counselor, EMDR can activate healing and bring relief.

Trauma can upset many brain functions, such as cognition and memory. It can also trigger a host of negative physical responses. The power of EMDR is that it activates the brain’s own natural functions in order to “reprocess” traumatic memories and render them harmless. The technique itself is simple: visual, audio or tactile stimuli provides bilateral stimulation while memories are being reprocessed and neutralized. The emotional charge of the memory is discharged and allows it to be stored in the brain like any non-traumatizing memory. According to Robin Shapiro in EMDR Solutions (2005), “the moments when transformation occurs: the trauma fades from frightening reality to mere memory; the need to distract from life with substances or dissociation changes to the will to get on with living fully; or the chronic, unbearable pain disappears.”

Kathy Higgins is offering this powerful healing technique in a compassionate, supportive environment. “EMDR shifts our nervous system into a stronger state,” she says, and can be used to enhance performance as well as relieve psychological pain.

Kathy Higgins is a certified therapist in EMDR.

More information about EMDR and its effectiveness can be found at www.EMDRIA.org

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