Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy at Sea Glass, LLC in Richmond, VA
Welcome to Sea Glass. We are a trusted mental health practice in Richmond, Virginia, with a team of mental health professionals that specialize in treating trauma through Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. At Sea Glass, we are committed to providing a safe space for individuals from all walks of life to find healing and personal growth. Explore the power of EMDR therapy with us today.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from different treatment approaches.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR therapy uses a technique called bilateral stimulation to repeatedly activate opposite sides of the brain. Therapists often use eye movements to facilitate this process. These eye movements mimic the period of sleep referred to as rapid eye movement or REM sleep, and this portion of sleep is frequently considered to be the time when the mind processes the recent events in the person’s life.
What does this accomplish? EMDR appears to help the brain reprocess the trapped memories in such a way that normal information processing is resumed. Trauma therapists like those at Sea Glass, LLC often use EMDR to help clients uncover and process beliefs that developed as the result of relational traumas, or childhood abuse and/or neglect. For a more detailed explanation please visit EMDR Institute, Inc. or EMDRIA.
What Can EMDR Do for You?
EMDR had been originally established as helpful for PTSD, but since then, it’s been proven useful for treatment in the following conditions:
- Panic Attacks
- Complicated Grief
- Disturbing Memories
- Phobias
- Pain Disorders
- Performance Anxiety
- Addictions
- Stress Reduction
- Sexual and/or Physical Abuse
- Body Dysmorphic Disorders
- Personality Disorders
None of these resonating with you?
Do you experience distressing emotions that appear to be excessive given the current situation? Do you tend to be highly reactive to certain triggers? Is there a dysfunctional belief or multiple beliefs that you maintain about yourself even though you know on an intellectual level that it is not true? If you answered yes to any of those, you may still be a good candidate for EMDR therapy.
Options for EMDR therapy at Sea Glass
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be done during routine 45-60 minute psychotherapy sessions at our office in Richmond or virtually, typically in a weekly or every other week format. When done this way, we’re working on identified memories over time. This can be a great way to pace the trauma healing and experience change with a longer-term trauma therapist. A benefit to doing EMDR therapy this way is to have ongoing support through the change process and have continued support from your therapist over time. Stephanie Schutte, LCSW provides EMDR in this format.
EMDR can also be done during short-term intensive sessions, typically 2-3 hours per session occurring over several days scheduled closely together. When done this way, we’re working on very specific memories in depth at once. This can be a great way to dive deep and heal traumas quickly. A benefit to doing EMDR this way is to experience a lot of change quickly. Jennifer Jenkins-Boitnott, LPC provides EMDR in this format.
Which way is right for you? That depends on what your treatment goals are for EMDR therapy and how you want to work on healing your trauma. Check out the EMDR intensive screening questions for more details. From there, we can help you figure out if an EMDR intensive or ongoing EMDR therapy is right for you.
Start Your Journey Toward Healing Today
Ready to embark on your journey towards healing and reclaiming your life with EMDR therapy from a trained trauma therapist? Contact Sea Glass, LLC in Richmond today to get started. Whether you're seeking relief from past traumas, anxiety, depression, or other challenges, our skilled therapists are here to support you every step of the way.