EMDR Therapy
EMDR Therapy is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Repeated studies show that by using EMDR people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference. It is widely assumed that severe emotional pain requires a long time to heal.
At Treehouse Counseling Services, we offer EMDR therapy in conjunction with other treatment programs for trauma and PTSD. We strive to focus on creating a safe and sacred space that allows trusting relationships to develop. We believe any problems can be talked about, any situations can be improved and all feelings can be explored and better understood.
Trust between you and your therapist is vital to successful counseling and we offer a wide variety of methods to help you find the strength to change and the healing that takes place within. All sessions are confidential and focused on your unique and individual issues. Our clinicians are well trained in the use of standard psycho-therapeutic practices and adhere to all the guidelines and regulations as required by law. It has been said that the language of childhood is play. Our clinicians are trained in the use of play therapy for children of all ages.
EMDR involves attention to three time periods: the past, present, and future. Focus is given to past disturbing memories and related events. Also, it is given to current situations that cause distress, and to developing the skills and attitudes needed for positive future actions. With EMDR therapy, these items are addressed using an eight-phase treatment approach.
- History taking
- Determination of emotional distress coping mechanisms
- Targeting and processing
- Targeting and processing: The vivid visual image related to the memory
- Targeting and processing: A negative belief about self
- Targeting and processing: Related emotions and body sensations
- Closure
- Examining progress
Mary Ruth Cross has advanced training in crisis and trauma recovery. She is a certified practitioner of EMDR therapy and has training in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing.
