EMDR is Amazing and Unique
EMDR treatment is truly fascinating. EMDR therapy allows clients that have struggled with a specific incident, memory or experience for years to process that information using a brain-based skill that the brain already knows how to do. For many people, this can happen rather quickly. This results in someone having either less distress or no distressing response at all when that incident is remembered, brought up or triggered. That is pretty amazing. “Amazing” is one of the first words that come to mind because many times that is the word that clients use to describe EMDR.
Since EMDR is such a unique therapy, I often get lots of questions from my clients about it. I have an EMDR light bar in my office so sometimes I get a “What is that?” question. Other times, people have heard about it from a friend, loved one or I have mentioned it to that client. Of course, many times they also could have Googled it and “was kind of wondering about it.”
So, I thought it would be helpful to create a post that has a list of resources. These are good items to check out if you are wondering about EMDR therapy, would like to know more about it or are thinking about trying it.
The best part about this list is that they are all reputable sources. EMDR treatment has been around for decades. Therefore, there are lots of nooks and crannies where you can find clips, articles and videos about EMDR. However, they don’t all contain accurate or the best information.
If you are looking for information, check these out first:
1. Getting Past Your Past (2013) by Dr. Francine Shapiro.
Click image to see book on Amazon.com
This book was written by the founder of EMDR. What makes it special is that it’s written for clients, not therapists. The book discusses an introduction about how “automatic responses” (i.e. triggers) can result in a knee jerk unconscious response due to a past event. Dr. Shapiro also explains concepts such as memory networks, REM, bilateral stimulation and resourcing/calming activities like ‘calm, safe place’ and the ‘butterfly hug’.
Another large section of the book are case studies. These examples show different ways that EMDR has been used successfully to treat different types of trauma or distress. People interested in pursuing EMDR treatment often can feel more comfortable with the approach by seeing it through the client’s eyes. In addition, many people have commented that difficult/new concepts introduced in other parts of the book were easier to understand when presented through real-life examples.
The book is not designed to be a self-help book, used to administer EMDR on yourself. This can be dangerous and Dr. Shapiro emphasizes that clients should only receive EMDR from an EMDRIA approved program/trainer. This book provides a great introduction to EMDR concepts for those interested in this therapy by a trained professional.
https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Past-Your-Self-Help-Techniques/dp/1609619951
Click image to go to web page.
2. EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
This is a professional organization that regulates clinical use and certifies trainers and organizations for EMDR training. Although the site is mostly for therapists, there is a page created about EMDR Therapy that is very helpful. It includes information on the therapy, how it’s different from other approaches and informational video clips.
Click image to read article.
3. Time Magazine: Q&A with Dr. Francine Shapiro
EMDR Therapy was discovered by accident. Although the discovery of EMDR has been mentioned in different places at various times, it’s usually mentioned briefly. This resource is a Time Magazine article from 2012 with Francine Shapiro. It is a Q&A about her book. However, she discusses in depth about how she discovered EMDR and why she decided to write the book. She also addresses controversies and misunderstandings about its history and how EMDR can be used for traumatic incidents, complex trauma and PTSD. Also, it’s a one on one interview with Francine Shapiro, which isn’t common to find.
http://healthland.time.com/2012/04/18/getting-past-your-past-qa-with-therapist-francine-shapiro/
Would you like more information on EMDR?
If you feel that we may be a good fit and are considering EMDR treatment, contact me or give me a call to discuss scheduling an appointment or a 15 minute consultation.