One of the main controversies is that the exact way EMDR works is not fully understood. While many clients report relief, some researchers believe the bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, etc.) may not be the crucial component.

If you or a loved one is struggling with trauma or emotional distress, consider seeking a therapist trained in both EMDR and Parts Work. This powerful combination of therapeutic techniques offers hope for deeper healing and self-integration, helping individuals move past their pain and toward a life of greater self-awareness and emotional balance.

Polyvagal theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, offers a comprehensive framework for understanding how our nervous system responds to different levels of safety and threat. Here's a breakdown of the nervous system ladder according to polyvagal theory:

Polyvagal Theory helps us understand why clients may feel "stuck" and why self-compassion without proper support often feels inadequate. This theory highlights the importance of addressing the somatic (body-based) aspects of trauma to facilitate genuine self-compassion.

Traditionally, we've been taught about the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system, but the Polyvagal Theory introduces a nuanced perspective by recognizing three distinct regulatory states.

Are you grappling with anxiety, depression, or struggling to find a restful sleep? Have you considered exploring the therapeutic benefits of music? If so, you might find solace in the realm of bilateral music.

EMDR therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with addiction, offering a range of positive outcomes.

Choosing between CBT and EMDR involves understanding the distinctive features of each therapeutic approach and aligning them with your mental health goals. Whether you are addressing trauma, managing mental illness, or seeking personal growth, the decision should be based on your unique needs and preferences.

EMDR is recognized as an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress and other mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression and panic attacks. EMDR helps change your negative cognition and the unpleasant emotions that go along with them to become more emotionally healthy.

Everyone experiences nightmares now and then. Trauma-related dreams are significantly more common and upsetting than ordinary nightmares. The occurrence of these repeated nightmares has been connected to an increase in suicide ideation.

Online EMDR therapy works similarly to in-person therapy. However, with virtual EMDR, the therapist and client are in separate locations, connected via technology. There are many benefits to virtual EMDR, ranging from simple personal preference to greater accessibility for those struggling with mental health issues

EMDR is a powerful tool that focuses on healing. It’ not meant to bring up old memories that you’d prefer to forget. Instead, it’s about being able to put the memories to rest. And with that you no longer have to be defined by those thoughts, allowing your depression to finally lift.

Anxiety can feel overwhelming. You feel you will never be that calm, cool or collected person. If this sounds like you, EMDR for anxiety may just be the thing that will help you.

How does this happen? EMDR helps rapidly reduce the intensity of negative emotions and disrupts the intensity associated with disturbing images, which may be stuck in your mind. Due to research in brain science and Somatic Psychotherapy, we know that stress isn’t always only carried in the brain, but also in the body with tension, discomfort, cramping, trembling, and body aches.

The body launches a stress response when something threatens a person’s survival and sense of safety. Singular events such as accidents, illnesses, or acts of violence may be the source of this danger. Chronic, and oftentimes less visible, distress, may represent years of feeling rejected, bullied, or overlooked at home or in school. It may come from a history of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.

EMDR is not hypnosis. You are awake and alert during the entire session. You have complete control of the entire session. In the event you do want to stop, there are safeguards in place.

According to Dr. Judy Ho, there are self-sabotage triggers that lead us to self-sabotage. Self-sabotage triggers are negative automatic thoughts that keep us stuck in the same patterns of thoughts. Unfortunately, because these thought patterns tend to be so habitual, they are often undetectable.

Sometimes you feel like somethings just isn’t quite right. You respond to certain places, people, and experiences in ways that you don’t understand. You wonder if something happened to you that makes you feel this way.

Are you or someone you love struggling with depression, anxiety or PTSD? Are you feeling an intense fear that something bad will be happening?

If you live with OCD you likely experience obsessions. These negative thoughts become overwhelming and pervasive. You may even engage in compulsive behavior to cope as it helps reduce the intensity of the negative feelings.