EMDR Therapy – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in New Jersey

emdr therapy monmouth county new jersey

What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a powerful and evidence-based form of psychotherapy specifically designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. Initially developed to address the impacts of trauma, EMDR therapy offers a structured and supportive approach to reprocessing distressing memories and integrating them into your life narrative in a healthier way.

Request An Appointment >

How EMDR Works

EMDR therapy employs bilateral stimulation, which involves eye movements, taps, or sounds to stimulate both sides of the brain. This process is essential as it helps you access and process traumatic or distressing memories. By engaging in this structured therapy, you can work through the emotions, beliefs, and sensations tied to specific memories or events, facilitating healing and recovery.

The EMDR Process

The EMDR therapy process unfolds through a series of carefully structured phases:

  1. Preparation: Establishing a safe space and understanding the EMDR process. This phase involves identifying positive resources and states that will aid in your healing journey.
  2. Assessment: Identifying specific memories or distressing events that you want to target during therapy. You will explore the beliefs and emotions associated with these memories.
  3. Desensitization: Engaging in bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds) while recalling the targeted memory. This process helps reduce the intensity of distress associated with the memory.
  4. Installation: Reinforcing positive beliefs and resources as you process the memory. The goal is to integrate these positive states into your overall life experience.
  5. Body Scan: Identifying any physical sensations connected to the memory and addressing them through bilateral stimulation.
  6. Closure: Returning to a state of equilibrium and establishing a plan for future sessions. You will learn grounding techniques to manage any residual emotions.
  7. Reevaluation: Assessing progress in subsequent sessions and ensuring that the distress associated with the memory has significantly decreased.

Benefits of EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy is proven to be effective in alleviating trauma-related symptoms, including:

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Nightmares
  • Intrusive thoughts
  • PTSD
  • OCD
  • Trauma
  • Relationship Issues
  • Anger
  • Panic Attacks
eye movement therapy to process traumatic memories monmouth county

As you engage in EMDR therapy, you will develop more adaptive coping skills and insights, allowing you to lead a more fulfilling life.

EMDR works fast, is integrative, doesn’t necessitate prolonged exposure (which can be re-traumatizing), and requires no homework. It activates natural processing capacities of the brain that are frozen and deactivated by trauma. It re-establishes disrupted communication between the brain regions that have been impacted by traumatic experience and enables the traumatized brain to heal.

The Role of Bilateral Stimulation

Bilateral stimulation is a key component of EMDR therapy. This can include:

  • Eye Movements: Following a therapist’s hand movements with your eyes.
  • Tapping: Alternately tapping your knees or shoulders, or using tapping devices.
  • Auditory Stimulation: Listening to sounds that alternate from one ear to the other.

These techniques anchor and ground your attention, helping you stay present while processing challenging emotions and memories. You will have the opportunity to explore which form of bilateral stimulation works best for you, allowing for a personalized therapeutic experience.

Safe and Supportive Environment

At Monmouth Integrative Counseling Services, our therapists are trained in EMDR therapy and prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment for you. We understand that everyone’s journey through trauma is unique, and we are committed to helping you discover the most effective methods for your healing.

Start Your Healing Journey Today

If you are interested in exploring EMDR therapy and its benefits, we invite you to reach out to Monmouth Integrative Counseling Services. Our team is here to guide you through the process and help you take the first step towards healing and recovery.

Call 732-231-5170 or Contact us for more information about EMDR Therapy or to schedule an appointment

Additional EMDR Therapy Resources