EMDR Therapists in San Francisco
EMDR Therapists
EMDR is breakthrough treatment for trauma and PTSD. It is a powerful method for helping people break free from their past.
EMDR was discovered by Dr. Francine Shapiro when she was walking through Central Park one day. She noticed that while thinking of a difficult memory, her eyes started to move from left to right, and she felt a little bit better the more she did it. She knew she was onto something.
Years later, she developed EMDR into a complete protocol treatment that has now helped people all over the world break free from difficult memories and feelings, sometimes in as little as one session.
EMDR simply requires that the person sit, bring the painful memories to mind, and follow along with the therapist. The therapist guides the person through a series of “bilateral stimulation” where both sides of the brain are equally stimulated. This is what helps a traumatic memory become fully processed and permanently stored in the “long-term” storage area of the brain. The result is feeling more calm, grounded, and happy again, and being able to now talk about the traumatic memory in a way that does not elicit anxiety, fear, and discomfort.
It’s important to note that we now know that there are both “big T” and “little T” traumas, and they need to be treated regardless of their degree.
It was once thought that PTSD only happens among people who have, for instance, been to war, or been the victim of a violent crime.
We now know that trauma is anything that disrupts our sense of stability and calm. Some common signs of trauma may include…
-Recurring “flashbacks” of the memories
-Increase or decrease in appetite
-Increase or decrease in sleep
-Alcohol and drug use
-Anger
-Social anxiety
-Depression
-Feeling detached or unreal
Trauma can be majorly disruptive of your life, but EMDR can help. Reach out today for a free consultation.
