EMDR and Dissociation

EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has been proven effective, not only for trauma treatment, but can also treat other symptoms and distressing elements of your life. EMDR is also helpful in targeting issues you may be "stuck" on in talk therapy. The following text is from the EMDR Institute:

"When a disturbing event occurs, it can get locked in the brain with the original picture, sounds, thoughts, feelings, and body sensations. EMDR procedures seem to stimulate the information and allow the brain to reprocess the experience. That may be what is happening in REM or dream sleep. The eye movements help reprocess the memory and other associated experiences. It is your own brain that will be doing the healing, and you are the one in control."

For more detailed information, visit the EMDR Institute.

My colleague Dr. April Minjarez has created a wonderful video introduction to EMDR.

If you are interested in or curious about EMDR, please ask! EMDR can work for people of all ages. I am more than happy to answer any questions about it or have us try it out if you are a client, new or continuing. I truly believe in the power of EMDR and I hope to share that healing experience with you.

Dissociation

In addition to providing EMDR, I frequently work with clients who dissociate, which can be caused by trauma. It is also a common symptom of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Dissociation is a feeling of separation or disconnection from the present moment, which can feel like a wall has come between you and your body, emotions, and/or identity. This may also be called a "freeze response" to trauma, wherein someone is unable to act or move due to this feeling of disconnection. I have experience working with systems, which some people call Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). My goal in working with systems is to provide consistent communication among your parts (sometimes called "headmates" or other terms). I do not consider "integration" or dissolving a system into a singlet a legitimate, respectful, therapeutic goal. If any of this resonates with you--or if you're confused by what I've said here, please ask! I would love to support you in exploring your dissociation and your parts.