What is EMDR?

EMDR Stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR was developed by Francine Shapiro in 1989. EMDR is now a widely accepted and researched technique for reducing and resolving symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, phobias, and much more.

Training and Certification: I was initially trained in EMDR in 2012. After taking the two day intensive course, I realized that I was dealing with a very powerful tool, and wanted to make sure I knew how to use it effectively. So I spent the following two years becoming a certified EMDR practioner (which involves extensive supervision, session review, and coursework). During this time, I also engaged in my own personal EMDR therapy to help me more fully understand and appreciate how the process feels and works.

Attachment-Focused EMDR: Because most of us have been wounded in relationship, the relationship is where the healing and mending needs to occur. Many people wrongly assume that once they’ve processes their unresolved trauma, they will miraculously be cured. But this is not often the case, especially when there was an absence of healthy care and connection (i.e. neglect, negative engagement, emotional abuse and criticism). There is a developmental healing and skill building process that often needs to occur once the trauma has been processed. In essence, we deconstruct the old patterns, and then reconstruct with healthier ways of caring and connecting. This process can be done both with the therapist (i.e. learning to negotiate and build healthy caring functional relationships), but also utilizing internalized re-parenting and ego-state tools that clients can use in their every day lives. I also incorporate a lot of these tools into my couples work, since attachment trauma is often at the heart of conflict.

Client-Centered Choice and Control: I am a firm believer in allowing each client to determine the pace, frequency, content, and extent of their own healing. To do otherwise places the client at risk of dislodging memories that the client is not yet ready to process, which can result in re-traumatization.

More on EMDR: To learn more about the effects of trauma on the brain, and how EMDR can help, click on the EMDR handouts below. You can also visit the EMDRIA website for more information and resources.

EMDRIA Website: https://www.emdria.org/page/what_is_emdr_therapy

Roxanne George, PhD, LMFT, EMDR Certified; Acacia Rising Counseling; 195A SR 240, Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557; Phone: (575) 758-4270; Cell/Text: (541) 389-5050; Email: acaciarising@proaxis.com