EMDR THERAPY

The Couples Experts are pleased to offer EMDR Therapy in addition to our other services

What is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been proven to be especially effective in helping problems related to trauma.

How EMDR Helps Couples

When someone experiences trauma, whether the cause is a natural disaster or some type of relational trauma there are several lingering issues that can impact future relationships. Resolving trauma-related issues in an individual can allow them to experience more positive, close relationships with their partner and family.

Self-perception is affected by trauma and survivors can experience feelings of shame, guilt and worthlessness that affect their ability to interact with others in a healthy way. If the trauma was an attachment injury in childhood; an injury suffered at the hands of someone close to and trusted by the victim; this can cause disconnects in adult love and family relationships that might manifest as a lack of trust or fear of commitment. EMDR therapy is very useful in helping to resolve these feelings and emotions and to rid the client of the negative self-talk and feelings that hold them back in life and relationships.

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) has a social impact. Those who suffer from PTSD may have difficulty in trusting or relating to others and the accompanying anxiety and fear triggers may manifest themselves in extremes of emotion including anger and violence. Fear blocks communication. EMDR Therapy is a process wherein the brain is able to process the traumatic event and to heal itself.   Without this healing it is difficult or impossible for a survivor to form close attachments with others and there is a detrimental impact on the relationships in their life.

EMDR is often used in conjunction with traditional talk therapies and there is quite a bit of talking with the therapist in the preparation phase of the EMDR treatment plan.

The anticipated result of EMDR is that the client is able to manage the pain of their trauma more effectively. They’re often seen to have a greater ability to separate the emotions from the event in perspective and as a result feel more able to connect in a deep and authentic way with their partners. The entire process facilitates healing and repair in relationships. This allows couples to form deeper attachments and build closer connections with their partners, children and families.