EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a comprehensive, trauma-informed therapy that integrates mindfulness, cognitive therapy, and insights from neuroscience to get to the root of the symptoms, triggers, and obstacles that bring people to therapy.
EMDR Therapy posits that all beliefs, no matter how irrational they may seem today, and all behaviors, regardless of whether or not they currently serve us, make sense when seen in the early context in which they were created. Traumatic experiences include an emotional response (fear, shock, hurt, sadness, etc.) that is often held in the body. Over time, these stored, unprocessed emotions can result in physical pain, interpersonal conflicts, and increased emotional reactivity to everyday situations. When something happens in the present that reminds a person (usually unconsciously) of an unprocessed memory, they may react with a much bigger reaction than the situation warrants. Through EMDR, people process stored, unhealed traumatic memories so that they no longer get triggered in the present day. As a result, people are freer to act on their desires, to make clear decisions, and to respond to situations more effectively.
Neuroscience research has found that traumatic experiences often result in biological changes in one’s mind and body, and, therefore, words alone are often inadequate to process its profound impact. As a result, EMDR Therapy has the power to resolve traumas that previous talk therapy has been unable to heal.
» Read EMDR for Healing and Happiness from The Resiliency Center newsletter
EMDR for Performance Enhancement
EMDR is a powerful tool for performance enhancement, because it removes blocks to achievement and builds mental strengths and resources.
Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is another comprehensive trauma-informed therapy approach that I love, as it promotes insight, self-compassion, and transformational healing. IFS asserts that every person is comprised of Self and parts. Parts are what make up our personality, and Self is at the core of every individual with qualities of Calm, Curiosity, Confidence, Courage, Presence, Patience, and Perspective. While parts may be in conflict with one another (an impulsive part and a disciplined part, for example), Self connects us to our inner wisdom and offers healing to the places where we struggle. IFS Therapy offers a meaningful process for getting to know and understand yourself on a deeper level. If you’ve ever seen the Pixar movie, Inside Out, you’ve gotten a mini-introduction to the world of parts. Jay Earley’s book Self Therapy is an informative, introspective guide to understanding yourself through the IFS lens. I am a Certified IFS Therapist and have completed Level I and II intensive trainings in IFS. I weave together the two models — EMDR and IFS — for optimal healing, self-compassion, and transformation.