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What is Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)?

When beneficial and/or appropriate, I use EMDR for both adults and children (with parental permission) to better their current limited functioning.

A brief explaination of EMDR:  When something disturbing happens, it can be stored in your system with the original images, sounds, thoughts, emotions, and body sensations.
 
EMDR seems to access and stimulate that information and allows the system to reprocess the experience.  This could be similar to the process of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep the eye movements or the Dual Attention stimulation help to reprocess the material.
 
"This is your natural healing process that we will be accessing.  You are the one who is in control." - Deborah Kennard, EMDR trainer

Comments from clients utilizing EMDR:  
 
"I am not as chaotic"
 "I am more patient"
"I have finally found forgiveness"
"I now believe it was not my fault"
"I finally like myself!"
"Who could have known that such a seemingly small incident in my childhood has affected my functioning as an adult?"
"I have finally come to fully understand and accept my situation".
 
Common questions concerning my approach to couples counseling: 
 
Q:  Can I see you for couples counseling even if my partner won't come with me?
A:  Yes!  Many  clients find that even if their partner doesn't come to counseling with them, as the client seeks help and they start to feel better, the relationship improves.
 
Q:  As a therapist, are you going to tell me (or us) what to do?
A:  Counselors help you sort out your thoughts and feelings so you can make decisions in ways that will help you feel better.  You won't be told what to do, but will be supported as you explore your options.
 
Q:  How frequently will we need to come to sessions?
A:  Your schedule and budget will be taken into consideration as we determine the frequency of sessions.  Sessions are generally once a week, but can be more or less often.  It is usually most beneficial to have longer and/or more frequent sessions in the beginning of the process.
 
Q:  Will we be encouraged to divorce?
A:  This decision is totally up to the couple.  I have deep regard for marriage and will encourage couples to heal their relationship.  However, there are some extreme circumstances that merit concern for the well-being for all concerned.  Unfortunately, couples often come to counseling as a last ditch effort which makes healing more difficult.  This is when couples especially need help and support.  It's never too late to seek help.
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