Our EMDR Trained Clinicians at EAC are:
Catherine Moon, LCSW (in process of EMDR Certification)
Kelley Delchamps, LMSW (in process of EMDR Certification)
EAC Clinicians in the Process of Becoming EMDR Trained:
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a type of therapy that processes and heals traumatic memories.
When a traumatic event happens to a person, their brains and bodies change physiologically. These changes then cause the person to feel constantly on high alert, to avoid things that reminds them of the painful event, and even often feel like they are re-experiencing the event as if it just happened in the present.
When beginning EMDR, trauma processing does not begin until significant internal resourcing has taken place, which is called “phase two” of EMDR. Trauma processing can bring up many painful memories and emotions that can destabilize a person unless they have specific skills dedicated to containing and soothing emotions and memories, such as those learned in DBT distress tolerance.
With traumas that are “little t” traumas, such as a single car accident or embarrassing school speech, the trauma can often be processed quickly and easily, possibly even within a few sessions. When working with someone with “Big T” Traumas or recurrent traumas, such as childhood abuse, the “resourcing”and “processing” phases of EMDR can last for months. Each person and situation is different.
Once trauma is alleviated through EMDR, patients note a significant decrease in hypersensitivity, the ability to read articles and books pertaining to the subject of their trauma, and an increase in pleasant emotions. EMDR won’t make sad things not sad; it does, however, take the “charge” out of the painful event and let it feel like it’s finally in the past where it belongs. EMDR is deep, incredible work that must be done with someone who the patient trusts to support and keep the patient safe.
EMDR Intensives
Some clients can be good candidates for “EMDR Intensives,” a longer EMDR therapy experience in order to help a client move more quickly through a traumatic event.
Typically, clients do EMDR for half a day or full day sessions that would happen less frequently than the standard weekly 50 minute sessions. Some may only need a half day; other may take longer.
Many clients say they enjoy this model as it allows them to process more content in a shorter period of time. Taking time off from work or setting aside time to decompress after processing is easier to schedule.
This summer, Kelley Delchamps will offer these sessions in a half day or whole day format. Contact Kelley to learn more.