• The body sensations caused by the traumatic memories of a difficult experience.
• A persistent worry that shadows your days.
• A raging sense of inner conflict that leaves you feeling stuck.

 

The only way to learn IFS is by experiencing it as a client

I have had brilliant teachers from the IFS Institute teaching me the theory and practice of IFS. Where I really learned what IFS is, was in the individual and group sessions I participated in as a client. I can help you work with your parts, because my parts and my Self have come to know and trust each other, and they are there to support you and your parts in your treatment process. 

 

She began to pay careful attention to this phenomenon and noticed that when a negative thought went through her mind, her eyes began to move spontaneously in a rapid, diagonal movement. She observed that her thoughts had shifted, and the negative feeling associated with them had lessened.

What is EMDR and how does it work online?

Good question! EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a type of therapy that helps people heal from trauma and PTSD. It’s all about processing trauma memories using eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation. When you do it online, I will guide you through the phases of emdr therapy using a video call. It’s super convenient because you can do it from anywhere. Most people do it from home, which makes a lot of sense because after a session you want to be in a comfortable, safe space to let the effects of the therapy sink in.

How effective is online EMDR for PTSD and trauma?

Online EMDR is just as effective as in-person sessions, especially for PTSD and psychological trauma. The therapist helps you briefly focus on the trauma memory while experiencing bilateral stimulation, which helps your brain process and release the distress associated with it. Research on EMDR confirms online EMDR therapy is just as effective as in-person treatment, with the advantage that it fits easily into your life.

Can EMDR therapy be done without eye movements?

Yes! While eye movements are the most well-known technique, EMDR therapy can also use tapping or audio tones to achieve the same bilateral stimulation. I usually use a form of tapping called the Butterfly Hug. Together we will find what works best for you during your emdr therapy session.

What does a typical online EMDR therapy session look like?

During an online EMDR therapy session, you'll connect with your emdr therapist online via a video call. You’ll start by talking about your trauma or distressing life experiences. Then, I will guide you through eye movements or other bilateral stimulation while you briefly focus on the trauma. Tension will build up first, and then while you start processing you will notice how it helps reduce the distress. We are not going to rewrite history, but my aim is for you to be able to face the distressing events without reliving them.

How can EMDR Therapy help with PTSD and Trauma?

EMDR Therapy is recognized as an effective treatment for PTSD and trauma by organizations such as the Department of Veterans Affairs. It helps by allowing individuals to briefly focus on the trauma memory and simultaneously experience bilateral stimulation. This process helps reprocess trauma memories and reduce distress, fostering an adaptive information processing system that can replace negative emotions with more positive beliefs.

What are the phases of EMDR Therapy?

The phases of EMDR Therapy are a series of steps designed to help individuals process and overcome trauma. These include

1. History taking

2. Preparation

3. Assessment

4. Desensitization

5. Installation

6. Body scan

7. Closure

8. Reevaluation

Each phase of EMDR plays a critical role in addressing different aspects of the trauma and ensuring that the therapy is comprehensive and effective.

What is Online EMDR Therapy?

Online EMDR Therapy is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to reprocess trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing forms of rhythmic bilateral stimulation, typically eye movements. It consists of protocols and procedures designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic experiences, making it a powerful tool for addressing trauma and PTSD.

How does using EMDR therapy differ from traditional talk therapy?

EMDR therapy was developed in 1987. It differs from traditional talk therapy as it focuses on desensitizing and reprocessing traumatic memories through rapid eye movement or other bilateral stimulation. The therapist ensures that the client is engaged in a process that uses the adaptive information processing model to transform negative emotions, beliefs, and physical sensations.

Is EMDR an effective treatment for PTSD?

A: Yes, EMDR is considered an effective treatment for PTSD. Research on EMDR has shown significant positive treatment effects for trauma victims, and it is endorsed by the World Health Organization as a recommended treatment for PTSD.

What should I expect during an online EMDR session?

During an online EMDR session, the therapist and client work together to identify a specific traumatic memory to target. The therapist may guide the client through a series of eye movements or other bilateral stimulation while focusing on the memory. The client reports their experiences, which are processed over the course of the session.

Can EMDR therapy be used for conditions other than PTSD?

Yes, EMDR works on other conditions such as acute stress, anxiety, depression, and phobias. The therapy is a mental health intervention that helps in processing and integrating distressing memories, promoting healing across various psychological conditions.

Who can provide EMDR therapy?

An EMDR therapist, who is trained and certified in the provision of EMDR, can provide this therapy. It is important to work with a qualified therapist to ensure the therapy is conducted safely and effectively.

What is the role of the therapist during an EMDR session?

The therapist ensures that the client is comfortable and guides them through the EMDR process. This includes establishing safety protocols, identifying target memories, facilitating the bilateral stimulation process, and monitoring the client's responses throughout the session.

How many sessions of EMDR therapy are typically needed?

The number of sessions required can vary based on the individual's needs and the complexity of the trauma. Therapy typically involves multiple sessions, but some clients may experience significant improvement in just two or three sessions. The therapist will assess progress and plan the next session accordingly.

What are the subjective units of disturbance and validity of cognition in EMDR?

In EMDR, subjective units of disturbance (SUD) are used to measure the level of distress associated with a trauma memory, while validity of cognition (VOC) assesses the strength of positive beliefs related to the traumatic event. These measures help track progress during therapy.

How does EMDR therapy work with the adaptive information processing model?

EMDR therapy works with the adaptive information processing model by helping clients process and integrate traumatic memories, transforming them from distressing recollections into adaptive, resolved experiences. This model aids in reducing symptoms and enhancing psychological resilience.