What is EMDR Therapy? A Comprehensive Guide for Austin Residents

June 17, 2024
Guide, Local Resources
2 min read
A close-up photo of a therapist's hand gently holding a patient's hand, conveying empathy and support during therapy

What is EMDR Therapy? You may have heard the term “EMDR therapy” floating around lately, especially if you’re in the Austin mental health community. But what exactly is it? And how can it help you heal from trauma, anxiety, depression, or other emotional struggles? Let’s dive in and explore this innovative therapy in more detail.

Understanding EMDR: The Basics

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a type of psychotherapy that has been proven effective in helping individuals recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences.

At its core, EMDR therapy works by stimulating the brain’s natural healing processes. It does this through bilateral stimulation, which usually involves following a therapist’s hand movements with your eyes. This can also be done through other methods like tapping or audio tones. The goal is to help you process and reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity and allowing you to heal emotionally and psychologically.

How EMDR Works: A Simplified Explanation

  1. History and Assessment: Your therapist will start by taking a detailed history and assessing your needs.
  2. Preparation: You’ll learn coping skills to manage any emotional distress that may arise during therapy.
  3. Assessment: Your therapist will identify specific memories or events to target in therapy.
  4. Desensitization: You’ll reprocess the traumatic memory through bilateral stimulation, gradually reducing its emotional charge.
  5. Installation: Your therapist will help you instill positive beliefs and feelings about yourself and the event.
  6. Body Scan: You’ll check for any lingering physical sensations related to the trauma.
  7. Closure: Each session ends with grounding techniques to ensure you feel calm and safe.
  8. Reevaluation: Your progress will be regularly assessed, and therapy will be adjusted as needed.

Who Can Benefit from EMDR?

EMDR therapy is effective for a wide range of issues, including:

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Phobias
  • Grief and loss
  • Addiction
  • Chronic pain
  • Performance anxiety
  • And more

Cassia Helena LCSW on the Power of EMDR:

As an experienced EMDR therapist in Austin, Cassia Helena has seen firsthand the transformative power of this therapy.

“EMDR is a powerful tool that can help people heal from even the deepest wounds. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness my clients reprocess traumatic memories and reclaim their lives.” – Cassia Helena, LCSW

Is EMDR Right for You?

If you’re struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges, EMDR therapy could be a valuable tool in your healing journey. Schedule a free consultation with Cassia Helena, LCSW, to learn more about how EMDR can help you.

Sources:

  • EMDR International Association. “What is EMDR Therapy?” EMDRIA, https://www.emdria.org/
  • Shapiro, Francine. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. 3rd ed., Guilford Press, 2018.
  • National Center for PTSD. “Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).” U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, https://www.ptsd.va.gov/
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