EMDR Therapy in Grand Rapids, Michigan

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is an integrative therapy approach backed by neuroscientific research that has proven to be effective for treating a variety of symptoms. We can help you create meaningful change if you often feel stuck with other therapy methods.

How does EMDR work?

EMDR was created with the understanding that the brain has a natural ability to heal itself. When you experience difficult or traumatic experiences, it can disrupt your brain’s natural information processing, causing some memories to become “stuck” and be integrated into our memory networks in maladaptive ways This can lead to negative core beliefs about ourselves and the world. You may notice difficulties in the way you relate to others, handle stressful situations, or identify/regulate your emotions. EMDR utilizes bilateral stimulation; such as eye movements, tapping, or lights, to assist your brain in activating its natural information processing network in order to help you reprocess difficult memories in more adaptive ways.

What does an EMDR session look like?

Initially, your EMDR therapist will work with you to create trust and safety within the relationship by gathering important information about your history and beliefs. You and your EMDR will use this information to create a roadmap for reprocessing. Prior to reprocessing work, your EMDR therapist will teach you several grounding and safety exercises to ensure you are well resourced. Once reprocessing begins, your EMDR therapist will walk through the reprocessing roadmap with you by helping you to recall past memories and related emotions/beliefs while guiding you through series of bilateral stimulation. This allows the brain to reprocess these memories and develop more adaptive and positive beliefs related to the memory. Your EMDR therapist will always ensure you are grounded and resourced prior to ending a reprocessing session.

What does EMDR treat?

EMDR was initially developed and is most widely known as a treatment to address symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. However, EMDR has proven to be an effective treatment option for many different conditions and symptoms, including:

PTSD/CPTSD

Childhood Abuse/Neglect

Anxiety/Panic

Relational Trauma

Specific Phobias

Depression

Disordered Eating

Self-Esteem Issues

Grief/Loss

What are the benefits of EMDR?

Many people report much more rapid reduction of symptoms from EMDR therapy vs traditional talk therapy. Rather than merely focusing on symptom management, EMDR addresses root causes to symptoms by integrating the psychological, emotional and physical components at play, which leads to more lasting relief. Unlike many other therapy modalities, EMDR requires minimal discussion around traumatic and difficult memories, making it an ideal treatment model for those who struggle to put their experiences into words. After EMDR you may notice you have a greater understanding of yourself and your emotions, allowing you to feel more confident in your ability to regulate and cope through difficult emotions and experiences. EMDR can bring a sense of control and empowerment back to your life.

Why choose Inner Body Works for EMDR?

Our EMDR therapist is trained in and follows the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association (EMDRIA) guidelines and is committed to continued education and professional development with EMDR. As with all of our therapy modalities, our EMDR therapist takes a client-centered approach to EMDR, integrating other modalities when appropriate and moving at a pace that is conducive to each individual’s healing. Our private pay model allows us to schedule longer EMDR sessions when needed, without the barriers put in place by insurance preauthorizations.