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Welcome to Our EMDR Therapy Page

What is EMDR?

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a therapeutic approach designed to help individuals overcome the effects of traumatic experiences. Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has gained widespread recognition and acceptance as an effective treatment for various mental health conditions.

How Does EMDR Work?

EMDR incorporates elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy with unique bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye movements or other rhythmic movements. This bilateral stimulation is believed to help the brain process distressing memories, making them less emotionally charged and more adaptable.

During an EMDR session, clients typically go through the following phases:

  1. History-taking and Treatment Planning: The therapist gathers information about the client's history and identifies target memories for processing.

  2. Preparation: Clients learn stress-reduction techniques to manage any emotional distress that may arise during the processing of memories.

  3. Assessment: Target memories are identified, and clients rate their level of disturbance associated with each memory.

  4. Desensitization: Using bilateral stimulation, the therapist guides the client in reprocessing the targeted memories, gradually reducing their emotional charge.

  5. Installation: Positive beliefs and insights are reinforced, helping clients replace negative self-perceptions with more positive ones.

  6. Body Scan: Clients focus on any residual physical tension or discomfort, ensuring complete processing of the targeted memories.

  7. Closure: The session ends with relaxation techniques to help clients return to a state of equilibrium.

What Conditions Does EMDR Treat?

EMDR was initially developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it has proven effective for a range of conditions, including:

  • Trauma and PTSD: EMDR is particularly known for its success in treating individuals who have experienced trauma, abuse, or other distressing events.

  • Anxiety Disorders: EMDR can help individuals suffering from various anxiety disorders, including phobias, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety.

  • Depression: For some individuals, depression is linked to unresolved traumatic experiences, and EMDR can be a valuable tool in addressing these underlying issues.

  • Performance Anxiety: EMDR has been used to alleviate performance anxiety in various areas, such as public speaking or athletic performance.

Aim of EMDR

  1. treat psychological disorders

  2. alleviate suffering

  3. assist individuals in meaningfully reprocessing difficult events

  4. lead to more adaptive core beliefs about self

  5. increase client stability

Our Approach to EMDR

At Knoxville Counseling Services, PLLC, our skilled and compassionate therapists are dedicated to providing personalized EMDR treatment plans tailored to each client's unique needs. We create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore and process difficult memories, fostering healing and personal growth.

If you're seeking a highly effective and evidence-based therapy for trauma, anxiety, or other related concerns, consider exploring the benefits of EMDR with one of our therapists.

Please reference this website for more information regarding EMDR.

If you are interested in learning more about EMDR please contact us to speak with our therapist.