Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based and structured psychotherapy treatment designed to help people recover from the effects of trauma, anxiety, depression and other distressing life experiences.
EMDR therapy enables clients to process and integrate traumatic or difficult memories or situations by focusing on those memories while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation. Bilateral stimulation is a therapeutic process guided by the therapist. It uses rhythmic, alternating sensory input; such as side to side eye movement, auditory tones or tactile tapping to stimulate both the left and right sides of the body.
This therapy technique is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the distressing event being processed. Current research demonstrates EMDR to be a very effective type of treatment for many mental health issues.
The Flash Technique is an evidence-based, minimally intrusive form of EMDR designed to help clients process distressing traumatic memories without having to consciously focus on the disturbing material. This technique asks clients to briefly acknowledge a traumatic memory but quickly redirects their attention to a positive, engaging distraction such as a pleasant memory, visualization or music while engaging in bilateral stimulation. This gentle form of processing has been found to resolve the distressing issue faster than other therapeutic methods.
Julie Bellamy, Caron Leader, Blake Steagall and Margaret Svec are all certified EMDR therapists. Certified EMDR therapist have been trained in the EMDR Basic training as well as completed an additional two years of study and consultation. Blake Steagall is additionally trained in the Flash Technique.
To learn more about EMDR or the Flash Technique, visit these websites:
