What is EMDR, and how does it work?

Published on March 4, 2020

EMDR

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.  In 1987, Francine Shapiro went for a walk. She noticed that as she was thinking about an upsetting memory, her eyes darted back and forth.  After the spontaneous eye movements, the thoughts seemed to be less upsetting.  She began testing it, and after numerous studies, she found that it reduced symptoms associated with trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The eye movements have been thought to be similar to the REM sleep cycle.  Francine Shapiro found that the human mind can heal itself.  Life experiences, sometimes formed in childhood, begin to create neural pathways in the brain. Specific traumas might lead to the memory or the information to be stored in a way that feels that the past is very present.  This can look like a flashback, nightmare or an emotional re-experiencing of the original trauma. When the memory or trauma isn’t assimilated into the mind, it creates suffering.  EMDR helps to get the mind get back on track so that it can heal.

Trauma

Sometimes after trauma, people might have a lowered self-worth or fear for their safety.  With EMDR, negative thoughts are decreased, and more healing thoughts are increased.  The painful memory is brought out of long term memory and into the present so that it can be processed.  EMDR, when done with a trained professional, is a safe way to restore balance into your life.

What can I expect when I do EMDR?

The EMDR therapist will ask about your background.  The therapist will then give you the tools to enable you to relax and calm yourself before the eye movement sessions. EMDR differs from other therapies in that it uses eye movements to help the mind process painful memories.  Sometimes, this can reduce the number of sessions needed as compared to other treatments.  The therapist will use her hand or a light bar to guide your eye movements.

People who undergo the treatment will be guided through a series of questions in a safe environment.  Trauma can be painful to speak about because it can feel as if you are reliving the trauma.  With EMDR, less speaking is involved, but painful memories might still come up.  The therapist will sit with you and guide you to watch the memories.  At any point, the person receiving the EMDR treatment can stop the eye-movements by holding up their hand or saying stop.

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Would you like to find out more about EMDR? Please do contact me to set up an appointment +852 2521 4668 or email m.borschel@mindnlife.com


Category(s):Abuse / Abuse Survivor Issues, Anxiety, Emotional Abuse, Physical Abuse, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) / Trauma / Complex PTSD, Sexual Abuse

Written by:

Dr Monica Borschel

Welcome! My passion is to help you find inner peace and emotional comfort within yourself and your relationships.

As social creatures, our relationships significantly shape our happiness, well-being, and sense of self-worth. Unfortunately, many of us have experienced relationship-related traumas, which can leave us with emotional scars that require recovery.

Attachment traumas, such as divorce, break-ups, infidelity, neglect, and abuse, can be challenging. As an expert in attachment, loss, and trauma, I have spent many years studying how attachment styles can shift with loss and trauma.

I have seen how healthy relationships can lead to secure attachment and how insecure attachment can create turmoil in our lives. I aim to guide you toward cultivating healthy relationships with yourself, your children, your co-parent, and your romantic partner.

I can help you develop new attachment strategies that will allow you to form deeper connections and bonds with those around you. And, if you have children, I can also assist you in establishing secure attachments with both parents, which can be especially helpful in cases of separation or divorce.

I am originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, where I completed my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at The University of Utah. From there, I moved to New York City, earning my Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University. I then pursued my Doctorate in Social Work and Social Administration at the University of Hong Kong. I lived and worked in Hong Kong as a practicing Clinical Psychologist from 2010-2020. I reside in California and am pursuing my Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) at California Southern University. My training and qualifications include certifications in Brainspotting and High Conflict Coaching.

These tools, combined with my extensive knowledge and experience in the field, enable me to offer you the guidance and support you need to recover from past traumas and build healthy relationships.

My approach to therapy is empathetic, supportive, and tailored to your unique needs. Every person can grow, and thrive. I am committed to helping you achieve your goals. So, whether you are struggling with relationship issues, divorce, abuse, attachment traumas, or other challenges, I am here to help you find the peace and comfort you deserve.

Email me at info@doctormonicaborschel.com or call the MindnLife Clinic at 852 2521 4668