SAN JOSE & SANTA CRUZEMDR Therapy for Trauma & Anxiety in San Jose & Santa Cruz
In 1987, psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro made the chance observation that eye movements can reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts, under certain conditions. EMDR evolved into standardized protocols that incorporate elements from many different treatment approaches. It has a direct effect on the way the brain processes information, similar to what occurs naturally during REM sleep — helping a person see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way.
At a Glance
- Also known as
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
- Also treats
- Anxiety, OCD, Phobias, Personality disorders, Panic attacks
- Evidence base
- ~20 controlled studies on PTSD outcomes
- Format
- In-person or telehealth
Conditions EMDR Can Treat
Approximately 20 controlled studies have consistently found that EMDR effectively decreases or eliminates the anxiety symptoms of post-traumatic stress for the majority of clients. Are you seeking a therapist who employs EMDR Therapy and fast-acting techniques to assist with:
Benefits of EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a powerful, evidence-based form of psychotherapy treatment technique. It involves specific eye movements while processing traumatic memories, aiming to help you heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences. Significant benefits are often observed within a few months of starting EMDR therapy.
You have taught me in managing my anxiety; to know peace, contentment, and balance with new insight into living my life with a new enjoyment of the calmer side of life.
Before therapy, I grappled with OCD, anxiety, and marital problems. Learning ERP and labeling my OCD helped me manage my symptoms and save my marriage.
How EMDR Therapy Can Help You
During EMDR, the therapist works with the client to identify a specific problem as the focus of the treatment session. The client calls to mind the disturbing issue or event while the therapist facilitates the directional movement of the eyes or other dual attention stimulation of the brain. Sets of eye movements are continued until the memory becomes less disturbing and is associated with positive thoughts and beliefs. Some EMDR therapists use tapping or musical tones instead.
During EMDR the client may experience intense emotions, but by the end of the session, most people report a great reduction in the level of disturbance. This improvement has been shown to hold up over time. EMDR is designated as an effective treatment for PTSD by the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, the United Kingdom Dept. of Health, and many other international associations.
EMDR can facilitate healing from traumatic events and anxiety-related issues.