EMDR Therapy

What Is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of therapy that rewires the brain to resolve unpleasant memories and stored trauma. EMDR doesn’t erase traumatic experiences, but it makes thinking about them significantly less stressful. EMDR is also helpful for installing positive self-regard. As such, EMDR is considered a highly effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma, and a wide variety of other concerns.

The History Of EMDR And How It Came To Be Considered A Gold Standard Of Trauma Treatment

EMDR was developed in 1987 by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro, who, by coincidence, realized that she was able to rid herself of unpleasant feelings caused by a memory after darting her eyes from side to side. She began researching rapid eye movement and its soothing effect in therapy, eventually labeling this phenomenon as “bilateral stimulation.” 

Bilateral stimulation—which can be visual, auditory, or touch-based (with tapping)—is a vital component of EMDR therapy, as it allows clients to reprocess triggering thoughts and install new ones. That’s why, alongside internalized trauma and PTSD, EMDR is used to treat a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, body image issues, and life stressors. It can also target motivational struggles, enhance outlook, and develop healthier lifestyle choices (including diet and exercise). 

Today, EMDR is widely considered one of the gold standards of trauma therapy and recognized as a successful method by The American Psychiatric Association, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the World Health Organization, among others. Extensive research done by these and other organizations has verified EMDR as a highly effective, evidence-based treatment method.  

So, What Does The EMDR Treatment Process Look Like?

There are eight phases of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy:

1. History taking

2. Client preparation 

3. Assessment

4. Desensitization

5. Installation

6. Body Scan

7. Closure

8. Examining progress

While this may sound overwhelming, it is pretty simple really. You will be focusing on a specific memory that elicits negative feelings and you will identify an image and self-belief to accompany that memory. From there, the desensitization and installation process can take place—using bilateral stimulation—which is the component of EMDR therapy that neutralizes the memory. 

You will then be asked to examine your distress level and what is happening in your body. This process is repeated until your negative physical reactions have been replaced with neutral or positive ones.

How Is EMDR Different From Other Approaches?

This process frees you from anxiety, worries, negative thoughts, and traumatic experiences. Using EMDR, you can feel happier and more confident in who you are. Unlike conventional talk therapy and other emotionally taxing and time-consuming methods, EMDR works quickly and produces lasting results. 

Before coming to me, many of my clients have spent years in therapy trying to recover from symptoms of trauma, PTSD, and other mental health challenges. With EMDR—especially when done in successive intensive sessions—I can often offer immediate relief in a shorter period of time. 

EMDR Therapy With Alexandra Lambeth

I am an advanced EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)-trained therapist, with several years of trauma work under my belt. Clients feel safe and heard when they work with me. I am confident in my ability to guide you as you heal from trauma or other barriers. 

My favorite part as a therapist is seeing you transform and with EMDR this transformational shift often happens during the session. Witnessing this significant moment, as well as seeing your life morphing, is very special to me and I am honored to be a part of that.

I work with adults who are interested in overcoming symptoms of residual trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias, low self-confidence, and grief. With EMDR, I can also help you overcome intrusive and irrational thoughts. However, you don't need a diagnosis to benefit from EMDR therapy, as it can improve your overall mental health. EMDR has helped many of my clients decrease procrastination, improve motivation, manage stress, and make positive life changes. 

While I am primarily an EMDR therapist, I do incorporate other techniques to provide you with a very customized approach that fits your specific needs. I am trained and skilled in components of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and solution-focused techniques to reduce your symptoms. I am also trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), which I find particularly beneficial when used in conjunction with EMDR. ART is very similar to EMDR, but the focus is on imagery versus emotions. 

In addition, I offer EMDR intensives for clients interested in healing their trauma, which Is usually booked on a stretch over several hours and often for more complex needs, several days in a row. If you choose to work with me, my goal is always to provide you with a warm, engaged, and supportive experience.

Is EMDR Right For You?

If you’re interested in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) through Fresh Start Counseling, I offer a few options for therapy sessions. You are welcome to book 90-minute EMDR sessions, or you can opt to schedule an EMDR intensive which can range from 3 to 8 hours as needed over the course of multiple days. For those who prefer to meet online or are outside of Grand Prairie, I offer virtual therapy sessions to clients throughout Texas, Nevada, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Florida. 

To find out more, please contact me. For a bit further information about EMDR, I encourage you to watch the following:

“Can EMDR Remove Fear & Shame?” with Russell Brand & Jameela Jamil
“Prince Harry undergoes therapy live on Camera” via Sunrise

You can also read more about EMDR:

“Is EMDR effective in treatment of PTSD?” by Matthew Snyder, DO, & Diana Trang, DO (Evidence Based Practice)
“Cognitive Hypnotherapy and EMDR: Two Effective Psychodynamic Therapies For The Rapid Reduction Of Cognitive Anxiety” by Elizabeth Brooker (Complimentary Therapies)
“The Use of Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy in Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder—A Systemic Narrative Review” by Gemma Wilson et. al (frontiers in Psychology)
“The potential role of EMDR on trauma in affective disorders: A narrative review” by Cinzia Perlini et. al (ScienceDirect)