The 8 Phases of In-Person & Online EMDR Therapy in Indianapolis
As a trauma therapist in Indianapolis, I have used several strategies to help clients work through their past experiences. One of the most helpful that I have found is EMDR therapy. Full disclosure - when I first heard of EMDR I thought it was a little too “weird.” As the years went by and EMDR became an evidence-based practice (meaning it works!), I started paying attention. Long story short, my own experience with EMDR sold me into the practice. Not only is it helpful, but it is also such a caring approach. There is minimal risk of feeling retraumatized in session and you don’t have to verbalize parts of your experience that you don’t want to share. In this blog, I will give a little overview of what EMDR is all about and how it can help.
What is EMDR in Indianapolis?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late ’80s. EMDR therapy helps people process past traumatic experiences and integrate them into their current understanding of the world. It involves using a combination of eye movements or taps while the client is thinking about the traumatic experience. The goal is to “desensitize" (or lesson) uncomfortable emotions and “reprocess” (or gain new insights, emotions, thoughts, and beliefs about) past stressful events.
8 Phases of EMDR:
History and Treatment Planning
This involves taking a history of the client's strengths and areas of concern. Your therapist will work with you to develop a plan that will be used throughout EMDR therapy.
Preparation
In this phase, the therapist gives an overview of the EMDR process and teaches strategies for coping with emotions. These skills can be used in and out of therapy sessions.
Assessment
The therapist helps the client identify the specific traumatic experiences that they want to process.
Desensitization
The therapist uses a series of eye movements or taps to help the client process the traumatic experience. Clients often experience a decrease in the amount of “bothering” a memory causes. It is also common to experience new thoughts, feelings or body sensations.
Installation
In this phase, the therapist helps the client to replace negative beliefs with positive ones.
Body Scan
The therapist helps the client to identify any physical sensations that they may be experiencing as a result of the traumatic experience.
Closure
In this phase, the therapist helps the client to close the session by providing them with coping skills to use until the next session.
Reevaluation
At the start of each EMDR therapy session, the therapist and client check in about previously processed memories. They work together to determine the next steps for processing additional events.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR in Indianapolis?
EMDR therapy can benefit anyone who has experienced a traumatic event. It is helpful in treating a wide range of conditions, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias, and addiction.
Learn More About EMDR Therapy
Think EMDR Therapy would be a good fit for you? We would love to hear from you.
If you are ready to begin EMDR, give us a call or schedule an appointment below.
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While EMDR therapy can be effective in treating a wide range of conditions, it is important to seek professional help. Our skilled therapists trained in EMDR therapy can help you to process your traumatic experiences and to live a more fulfilling life.
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Our clients have access to multiple services to ensure they receive the support they deserve when overcoming their own hardships healthily. We offer many services, including anxiety therapy, supporting couples counseling, and trauma therapy, with both online and in-person options so that we can fit whatever needs you might have.
