Virtual EMDR Therapy in Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and throughout North Carolina
What even is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.
EMDR therapy is a cost-effective, non-invasive, evidence-based method of psychotherapy that assists individuals in recovering from the signs of mental pain brought on by traumatic events in past life experiences. Based on EMDR, there is an instinctive desire in the mind and brain towards healing and mental health, just like how your body recovers after a physical injury.
But if a distressing incident causes the brain’s information processing mechanism to become blocked, the emotional wound has the potential to worsen and bring about great pain. In other words, past emotionally charged experiences can overly influence your present actions, emotions, sensations, and thoughts about yourself. “Although I am aware of my intrinsic value, I nevertheless battle thoughts of inadequacy and worthlessness.” for example. Consequently, EMDR processing assists you in overcoming emotional obstacles and harnessing the healing potential of your brain to reach the objective of leading a more emotionally and adaptable life. Repeated studies suggest that by employing EMDR treatment people can experience the
benefits of psychotherapy and relief from symptoms that once took years to accomplish.
EMDR therapy is an eight-phase treatment. It uses a set of procedures to organize your negative and good feelings, thoughts, and sensations, and then employs bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or alternate tapping, during one half of the session, as a technique to help you effectively work through disturbing memories.
Does EMDR therapy work?
Yes, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is generally considered effective for many individuals, particularly those dealing with trauma and related conditions. EMDR was originally developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but its applications have expanded to various mental health concerns.
The effectiveness of EMDR is supported by a substantial body of research and numerous clinical trials. The process involves a structured eight-phase approach, during which the EMDR therapist helps the individual process distressing memories by using bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye movements. This is believed to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity and allowing the person to develop more adaptive coping mechanisms.
EMDR is recognized as an evidence-based treatment by organizations such as the American Psychological Association, the World Health Organization, and the Department of Veterans Affairs for PTSD treatment. It’s important to note that individual responses to therapy can vary, and what works for one person may not work as effectively for another. Consulting with a qualified mental health professional can help determine if EMDR is an appropriate and beneficial option for a specific individual and their unique circumstances.
Other Resources for Understanding EMDR Therapy:
Video Introduction from EMDR Internation Association
Prince Harry describes his journey with EMDR
What are the possible benefits of EMDR therapy?
The memories are recalled, but the terrible emotions and physical sensations and the unpleasant pictures and thoughts are no longer present. EMDR therapy has been associated with a range of potential benefits, particularly for individuals who have experienced trauma or distressing events.
Who can benefit from EMDR therapy?
Because adverse life experiences are strongly associated with subsequent emotional, relational, and as well as medical difficulties, therapists employ EMDR with an extensive variety of challenges:
- Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
- Chronic illness and medical issues
- Dissociative disorders
- Grief and loss
- PTSD and other trauma and stress-related issues
- Sexual assault
- Violence and abuse
What does an EMDR session look like?
EMDR and other forms of therapy will be utilized as part of your comprehensive strategy of care to accomplish your treatment goals. During an EMDR session…
- Your EMDR therapist will ask a series of questions to assess and activate the negative experience and the desired adaptive resolution.
- Sets of rapid eye movement (or other forms of bilateral stimulation, such as alternating tapping) will be applied.
- You will be encouraged to just “free associate,” let whatever happens happen, and just allow your brain to work through the experience.
- Your therapist will ask for brief reports between sets of eye movements or alternating tapping.
- EMDR processing will continue until the experience has been reprocessed to an appropriate resolution. This process may take multiple sessions.
- After the distressing experiences have been revised, you and your therapist will collaborate to incorporate new insights and learning into your everyday life.
Reprocessing may continue after the formal therapy session. Other memories, flashbacks, feelings, and sensations may occur. The recollection may be connected to your dreams.
Common questions about EMDR therapy
Can EMDR be done virtually?
Mindspace Counseling offers EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) through secure online platforms. Thanks to technology and the rise of teletherapy, you can access this powerful treatment from the comfort of home. However, a strong internet connection and a confidential platform are essential. While therapists may adapt parts of the traditional in-person EMDR for the virtual setting, the effectiveness remains the same. Discuss any questions or preferences with your Mindspace therapist to ensure a comfortable and successful experience.
Is it necessary to tell my EMDR therapist all the details about my experience for them to be processed?
No. You don’t have to share every aspect of your experiences for them to be processed.
Will I get emotional?
Yes, you may. Emotions and sensations may come up during processing. However, your therapist will assist you in handling them safely if you are prepared. Once they are processed, they rarely come back.
Is EMDR therapy like hypnosis?
No. You are in complete control and present during the EMDR processing.
Is EMDR a brief treatment?
Even though EMDR frequently shows effectiveness with shorter treatment compared to other approaches, the length of treatment time is dependent upon the complexity of your issues.
I’ve heard of EMDR intensives… what is that?
Maybe you have been wanting to work on yourself for a long time, but your busy schedule with work or kids or other things has never allowed you to commit to weekly therapy appointments. Maybe you have tried traditional talk therapy or even tried EMDR. However, the progress is too slow and a lot can be at stake if you don’t make some changes fast. That’s where EMDR intensive therapy comes in. EMDR intensive therapy is designed to accelerate the healing process by providing focused EMDR sessions over the course of 1-5 days or weeks. A full day intensive includes a total of 6 hours of therapy with breaks and/or lunchtime built into the day. If this is something you’re interested in, check out my EMDR intensive therapy page.
Start Virtual EMDR Therapy in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Florida
You don’t have to be held back by what happened to you. And you don’t have to live with anxiety and unhappiness. EMDR can help you let go of the past and feel more relaxed and confident in going towards your better future. Our counseling clinic in North Carolina has caring and highly trained therapists who specialize in EMDR and EMDR intensives. To start your counseling journey, follow these simple steps:
- Contact Mindspace Counseling
- Meet with one of our EMDR therapists
- Start overcoming your anxiety and the impacts of trauma, leading you to be your most authentic and effective self in both personal and professional life.
Other Therapy Services at Mindspace Counseling
EMDR therapy is not the only service we offer at our North Carolina-based therapy practice. An EMDR Intensive may be the best fit for you and can be done via online therapy in North Carolina, South Carolina or Florida. Other therapy services we provide include trauma and PTSD treatment, grief counseling, and anxiety treatment. If you’re struggling with anything postpartum, we offer perinatal mental health counseling as well.
Don’t let geographical barriers hinder your path to transformation. Experience the power of EMDR online treatment – your healing awaits.
EMDR Therapists in NC
Rebecca Blankenship, MA. LCMHC. EMDR trained
Sheryl Reto, MSW.LCSWA. EMDR trained
- Specialties: trauma and PTSD, anxiety, grief and loss, depression, self-esteem, life transitions, teen counseling, terapia en español.
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Main Areas and Towns Mindspace Counseling, PLLC Services in North Carolina: