Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is one of the most evidence-based therapies counselors have at their disposal. It is a multi-purposeful therapy especially effective in helping people overcome the negative effects of trauma, and can also help people manage triggers associated with anxiety, depression, and addiction.

When distress from a disturbing event remains after the trauma source is gone, the upsetting images, thoughts, and emotions may create feelings of being overwhelmed, or of being back in that traumatic moment. EMDR helps the brain process these memories and allows normal healing to resume. The experience is still remembered, but the fight, flight, or freeze response from the original event is resolved. It is the dual goal of EMDR to both desensitize traumatic triggers and memories, and to install within people the ability to create positive beliefs about themselves, despite trauma. People get to move on with their lives, and leave trauma in the past.

Joel is a certified EMDR therapist and has been using EMDR since 2009. Joel is an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and offers consultation to EMDR therapists who are developing their skills.

Talk Therapy

Another effective evidence-based approach to trauma is talk therapy. Talking with a trusted person in a safe space can help people become an expert in needed skills, develop powerful insights, and increase their sense of stability. When engaging in Talk Therapy, I draw on multiple therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI).