Hailey Heil Counseling

EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

EDMR is an extensively researched and effective form of psychotherapy, proven to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences.

This form of therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue. Rather than focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue, EDMR allows the brain to return to its natural healing process.

Through reprocessing, the body is able to break free of the stress responses known as fight, flight, or freeze and return to a sense of calm. For many clients, EMDR can provide relief in 12 sessions or less.

What does an EMDR session look like?

EMDR often consists of guided, back-and-forth eye movements, but it can look many ways! To assist in reprocessing, we may also use tapping or sounds to engage both halves of the body, known as bi-lateral stimulation. This type of stimulation allows different parts of the brain to speak to each other more efficiently. EMDR has several phases, so we will start with understanding your struggles, your history, and preparing your mind and body for reprocessing with mindfulness exercises.

Who can benefit from EMDR?

It’s effective for those who are struggling with PTSD, sexual trauma, anxiety, depression, panic, chronic pain, grief, sleep troubles and more.

Does EMDR require special training for the therapist?

Yes! I’ve completed 50 hours of training in Somatic and Attachment-Focused EMDR, the S.A.F.E. approach. This type of EMDR is suitable for complex trauma, often stemming from childhood events and our treatment from our caregivers. The S.A.F.E. approach places an emphasis on how past difficulties are impacting our current relationships.