EMDR (Bilateral stimulation)
I help clients navigate, anxiety and stress by looking at their trauma, exploring family patterns, attachment styles, and the impact of family conflict on mental and physical health. Together, we uncover root issues, empowering you to establish boundaries and enhance wellbeing. My approach integrates clinical methods with meditation, tapping, inner child work, and reparenting.
EMDR Therapy Now Available in Fairfield, Victoria
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic modality developed by Francine Shapiro in 1989. She discovered that side-to-side eye movements had a healing effect on anxiety and mental distress. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3951033/ )
Since then, EMDR has evolved significantly and is now available in Fairfield, Victoria.
Recently, I attended EMDR training to offer this effective modality to my clients, particularly those with trauma histories. Trauma can be complex, involving repeated exposure to abuse, neglect, or life-threatening situations, or it can be a single-incident trauma resulting from one-time events. EMDR is beneficial for all types of traumas.
EMDR doesn't always involve eye movements. Other forms of "alternating bilateral stimulation" have been found equally effective. I use a tool called the Theratapper, which clients hold in their hand (https://theratapperinc.com/) It pulses alternately, providing the bilateral stimulation needed for the therapy. Bilateral stimulation is one of the key pieces of EMDR therapy. Bilateral stimulation works by activating both sides of the brain, allowing for processing memories and emotions that may be ‘stuck’ in the brain due to traumatic experiences. It is believed to help unstick such memories so they can be processed and resolved.
EMDR therapy starts with an assessment of concerns and building a therapeutic relationship. Then, moveS to the resource-building phase, where coping skills are developed. Guided imagery exercises are often used to create mental resources, such as imagining a container for difficult thoughts, a nurturing figure, or a comfortable place.
Resource building also involves regular self-care activities like healthy eating, exercise, meditation, and enjoyable activities. We may use the Theratapper during this phase to strengthen these resources in the brain.
Once coping skills are in place, clients are ready to address traumatic material. They recall the worst parts of the trauma, including emotions, beliefs, and bodily experiences. Bilateral stimulation helps activate coping resources while processing this material. This process moves memory from implicit (unconscious) to explicit (conscious).
After processing, it's crucial for clients to feel safe and stable. We ensure this by discussing post-session plans, treatment goals, and using resourcing activities to maintain emotional stability.
EMDR is a powerful tool for healing trauma, and I am excited to offer this therapy in Fairfield, Victoria. For more information on trauma treatment, consider reading:
"The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk
"Waking the Tiger" by Peter Levine
Tapping In: step by step guide to activating your healing resources through bilateral stimulation by Laurel Parnell PHD
