Get to the Root Cause
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a structured therapy developed by Francine Shapiro to help people heal from trauma and distressing experiences.
How does EMDR therapy work?
EMDR therapy is a bottom-up therapy that helps people feel into the body where the trauma is stored so the body can process the trauma that got stuck from our mind’s “thinking problem.”
Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up Therapy
Does EMDR therapy really work?
At the time of this writing, there are over 30 comprehensive studies that show that EMDR therapy has helped people with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and a wide variety of mental health issues. EMDR therapy is also one of the most extensively researched modalities.
One of these comprehensive studies included taking individuals with severe PTSD based on fMRI scans and taking them through a weeklong intensive that used EMDR therapy. At the end of the week, the participants scanned their brains using the same stimulus, and there was a significant decline in symptom severity, where over 50% were able to drop their diagnosis. This was based on objective fMRI scans...not just a subjective post-therapy survey.
"The minute you settle for less than you deserve, you get even less than you settled for."
— Maureen Dowd
How do I find the right EMDR therapist?
Not all EMDR therapists are created equal...unfortunately. The vast majority of therapists who get trained in EMDR never go on to get certified or take an advanced EMDR training. At Mind Free Counseling, we make EMDR therapy the foundation of the work we do and have 4 (and counting) advanced trainings in EMDR therapy. We have also completed the certification process for EMDR therapists.
First step…find an EMDR therapist who has completed the certification process.
Why is Certified so important?
Basic EMDR training typically does not teach advanced techniques needed to help clients get through complex trauma…which means there is a good chance you’ll get stuck.
Keep in mind that if a therapist truly understands the trauma response, they will focus on using techniques like EMDR and they will get advanced trainings because they do not want to leave you stuck. Basic EMDR training is a good start AND is often just a start (and an end of the road for many trained EMDR therapists).
If a therapist is committed to doing EMDR work, they will go on to get certified AND take advanced trainings. Here is a list of the advanced trainings specific to EMDR that you will benefit from with Mind Free Counseling:
EMDR training with Deany Laliotis
EMDR Therapy Level UP
Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol (R-TEP) for EMDR
From Eye to “I”: Transforming Attachment & Identity with EMDR Therapy with Barry Litt
The Marriage of EMDR and Ego State Theory in Couple’s Therapy with Barry Litt
