Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy in Maryland

What Is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR for short) is a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals process traumatic experiences and memories through guided eye movements and/or other forms of bilateral stimulation.

Recognized by dozens of research studies and clinical trials, this technique has been shown to reduce distress associated with traumatic memories, enabling clients to integrate them without the overwhelming emotional response. It is particularly effective for PTSD and trauma-related conditions, and is suitable for patients of all ages, including children.

This trauma-healing methodology was discovered and developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, a psychologist who made the connection between certain types of eye movements and the way that the brain stores memories. As Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy in Maryland and throughout the world has evolved, it has come to be recognized as an effective healing modality, even getting approval from the World Health Organization (WHO).

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EMDR Therapy in Maryland vs. Traditional Therapy

EMDR is not talk therapy, which many patients prefer. You don’t have to talk about or relive painful memories or triggers to have success with EMDR. You also won’t be assigned “homework” between sessions or asked to change your habits or behaviors.

Instead, EMDR relies on your brain’s natural adaptive information processing system to reprocess the traumatic events that are holding you back. This, in turn, allows you to become desensitized to painful emotions and transform the way you view past experiences – no matter how painful or how strong their hold has been on your psyche.

If you’re looking for a licensed EMDR therapist in Maryland, look no further than Rose Wellness. Our skilled telehealth providers offer a personalized approach to EMDR therapy to ensure that each session brings you closer to healing.

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How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

Though each patient’s experience is different, an EMDR session follows an eight-phase protocol designed for an EMDR therapist in Maryland to help you identify, process, and release the trauma and trauma memories that are being stored in your mind (and body).

The eight phases are outlined as follows:

History & Treatment Planning: Your EMDR therapist in Maryland will gather information about your history, challenges, and overall goals for therapy. Together, you’ll identify the target memories or experiences that are ripe for reprocessing.
Preparation: You’ll learn more about how the EMDR process works and build a rapport with your therapist to help establish trust and feelings of safety.
Assessment: To begin, you’ll focus on a specific trauma memory, which involves identifying the distressing image, beliefs, emotions, and sensations that you’ve associated with it.
Desensitization: Becoming desensitized to the memory is key to success. Here, you’ll begin with an introduction to bilateral stimulation, typically through eye movements that can be similar to what you experience during REM sleep. These eye movements work to stimulate and activate both sides of your brain, which ultimately helps this organ to reprocess the experience and reduce its emotional intensity.
Installation: After desensitization comes installation. This replaces the negative emotions and beliefs with positive, adaptive ones, with the goal of the positive beliefs feeling and being true.
Body Scan: Your EMDR therapist will help you identify and release any lingering physical tension or distress connected to the trauma memory.
Closure: At the end of each EMDR session, your therapist will ensure you feel safe before leaving. This is done by helping you return to a calm state. The reprocessing may not be complete yet, but there should be some improvement about the feelings associated with the traumatic belief.
Reevaluation: Most likely, you’ll schedule another session, and at the start of the next session, your EMDR therapist will review your progress and get ready to address any remaining trauma memories that need further processing.

Who Can Benefit from EMDR Therapy?

Patients may seek out an EMDR therapist in Maryland to help with the following:

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Anxiety
Chronic stress
Panic disorders
Grief and loss
Breakups, relationship traumas, or betrayals
Phobias
Childhood abuse
Performance anxiety

EMDR therapy has been shown to be highly effective for the conditions listed above. What surprises patients most is how quickly EMDR can bring about relief, especially when other forms of therapy haven’t worked.

FAQ

1. How long does it take for EDMR Therapy to work?

Each patient is unique, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer here. The duration will vary based on your individual needs and history. Some of our patients notice improvements in a single session, while others benefit from longer treatment schedules to address multiple or severe trauma memories.

2. Is EMDR Therapy scientifically proven?

Yes, EMDR has been thoroughly researched over the past several decades. This is an evidence-based therapy that has been endorsed by APA (American Psychological Association) and WHO.

3. IS EMDR safe?

Yes, EMDR therapy is considered safe whenconducted by a trained and certified therapist. This non-invasive, pain-freeapproach has been proven effective in treating trauma and other mental healthconcerns. While it can bring up strong emotions during sessions, this is a normal part of processing distressing memories.

Contact Rose Wellness for Compassion and Healing

Whether you are struggling with single-event trauma or complex, long-term challenges, EMDR offers hope for healing. Our highly trained EMDR therapists provide personalized treatment plans and the highest quality care to deliver proven results.

To schedule a virtual appointment with an EMDR therapist in Maryland, please get in touch at 202-681-1348.

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