ABOUT EMDR

 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from many different treatment approaches. To date, EMDR therapy has helped millions of people of all ages relieve many types of psychological stress.

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Often in childhood, we experience things we don’t even realize are damaging or harmful, such as a parent or primary caregiver who is narcissistic, borderline, overly anxious or depressed, drug- or alcohol-addicted, emotionally aloof or withdrawn, highly critical or absent. When we’re growing up, we don’t always shape it or frame it as trauma. And yet, these experiences have a serious detrimental impact on every aspect of our lives and the choices that we make in our careers and in our relationships.

 

Additionally, the impact of these experiences may occur not only as the result of these difficult parental/caregiver relationships, but as a result of relationships or interactions with siblings, teachers, and other children. Further, learning and developmental deficits may have a negative impact on the way we see ourselves.

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Therefore, Dr. Howard utilizes Attachment-Focused EMDR (AF-EMDR), which is highly effective in addressing the effects of attachment and developmental trauma by filling in the deficits that result from those Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

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Although EMDR may produce results more rapidly than previous forms of therapy, speed is not the issue and it is important to remember that every client has different needs. For instance, one client may take weeks to establish sufficient feelings of safety and trust (Phase Two), while another may proceed quickly through the first six phases of treatment only to reveal, then, something even more important that needs treatment. Also, treatment is not complete until EMDR therapy has focused on the past memories that are contributing to the problem, the present situations that are disturbing, and what skills the client may need for the future.

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EMDR CONSULTATION

 

As an EMDRIA Certified Practitioner and EMDRIA approved consultant, Dr. Howard is available for group or individual consultation. Please contact her for more rates and information.