Text: (731) 236-3623
FOR FREE PHONE CONSULTATION EMAIL OR TEXT TO ARRANGE A TIME
Big Ideas. Great Results.
EMDR / ABS
(Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing)
(Alternating Bilateral Stimulation)
Description
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is an amazing integrative psychotherapy that helps individuals of ALL ages heal from histories of trauma. One of the reasons EMDR is so effective is because it combines 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 of several evidenced based therapies, including CBT, DBT, and somatic experiencing, just to name a few!
EMDR is based on a natural physiological process called Alternating Bilateral Stimulation (ABS). It was accidently derived from the same process as Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep.
How EMDR/ABS works
-
During EMDR/ABS, you talk and think about traumatic memories while moving your eyes side to side or engaging in other forms of bilateral stimulation such as tapping hands or feet.
-
For instance, walking is an alternating bilateral stimulation, and is why we often pace when stressed or thinking
-
Alternating movement across the body drastically improves communication between the right, left, and deep parts of the mind using a special, very fast brain wave called Spline.
-
-
EMDR/ABS helps you RE-process upsetting memories, thoughts, and feelings related to the trauma. Reprocessing moves the experience from trauma storage to standard storage and releases the intense emotions
-
By processing these experiences, you can get rapid relief from PTSD symptoms.
Alternating Bilateral Stimulation (ABS) provides stimulation to alternating sides of the body, thereby activating alternate hemispheres of the brain. ABS can use the eyes, ears, hands, or feet
THERATAPPER - was created to automatically perform the Therapists role of manually tapping on a therapy client’s hands in an alternating fashion. Bilateral audio (with headphones) offers another beneficial means for bilateral stimulation
History of EMDR
-
EMDR was devised by psychologist Francine Shapiro in 1987.
-
The first clinical trial investigating EMDR was in 1989.
-
Dozens of clinical trials since EMDR's development show this technique is effective.
Four Functions
1. **Improved Right/Left Brain Communication**: EMDR/ABS aims to enhance communication between the right and left hemispheres of the brain, facilitating the integration of emotional experiences and cognitive processing.
2. **Desensitization**: This aspect focuses on reducing the emotional intensity associated with traumatic memories, allowing individuals to process and confront these memories without overwhelming emotional distress.
3. **Emotional Replacement**: EMDR/ABS aims to replace negative emotions and beliefs associated with traumatic memories with more positive and adaptive ones, promoting emotional healing and growth.
4. **Reprocessing Memory**: EMDR/ABS facilitates the reprocessing of traumatic memories, enabling individuals to integrate these survival mechanism memories into general, overall life experiences in a more constructive and less distressing manner.
