EMDR Therapy in NYC at Ascendant
Access Trauma-Informed Care for Total Person Healing
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a powerful, evidence-based approach to healing trauma and emotional distress. Ascendant offers specialized EMDR services as part of our commitment to providing comprehensive, trauma-informed care. Our experienced clinicians use this innovative technique to help our clients process difficult memories, reduce emotional triggers, and achieve lasting relief from symptoms associated with trauma, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a type of therapy that is particularly beneficial for people who have experienced deeply distressing or disturbing life events.[1] EMDR therapy is typically conducted by licensed mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, or psychologists, who have received specialized training for trauma and trauma-informed care. The therapy sessions typically take place in an office setting, and the duration and frequency of treatment can vary depending on the person’s specific needs and the severity of their symptoms. EMDR therapy is generally conducted weekly or bi-weekly, with each session lasting approximately 60-90 minutes.
EMDR therapy utilizes rapid eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help the brain process and integrate traumatic memories.[2] This process helps to unlock the brain’s natural healing abilities, allowing clients to reframe their experiences, reduce the emotional intensity associated with the trauma, and develop more adaptive coping strategies. Ascendant’s EMDR-trained clinicians work closely with clients to create a safe and supportive environment, guiding them through this transformative process and empowering them to overcome the debilitating effects of trauma.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work
The effectiveness of EMDR therapy can be attributed to its unique approach to processing and reintegrating traumatic memories. By utilizing the brain’s natural information processing system, EMDR therapy helps clients to adaptively process disturbing life experiences and develop more adaptive coping mechanisms in the healing process.[3]
The Science Behind EMDR for Addiction
EMDR therapy sessions are grounded in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which posits that the brain has an innate capacity to process and integrate life experiences into adaptive memory networks.[4] When a person experiences a traumatic or distressing event, the information processing system can become overwhelmed, leading to the memory becoming “stuck” in an unprocessed state. This can result in the memory being stored with its original disturbing emotions, physical sensations, and beliefs, causing the individual to become “stuck” in a maladaptive response pattern.
EMDR therapy leverages the brain’s natural information processing system to help reprocess and integrate these stuck memories, allowing the client to adaptively assimilate the experience.
Substance Abuse
EMDR for Substance Abuse at Ascendant
Our clinicians work closely with clients to create a safe, supportive therapeutic environment. They guide clients through a structured EMDR protocol, which includes the following key components:[5]
Efficacy of EMDR Therapy
The efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy has been well-established through extensive research.
One recent study examined 24 randomized controlled trials that demonstrated the positive effects of EMDR in the treatment of emotional trauma and other adverse life experiences.[6] Notably, seven out of ten studies have reported that EMDR therapy is more rapid and/or more effective than traditional trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) in addressing trauma-related issues. Twelve randomized studies specifically examined the eye movement component of EMDR, documenting rapid decreases in negative emotions and the vividness of disturbing images. An additional eight studies reported a variety of other memory effects associated with the EMDR process.
Beyond the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma, research also indicates that EMDR could be a promising intervention for a range of other co-occurring mental health concerns, including bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, and depressive disorders. Numerous other evaluations have documented EMDR’s ability to provide relief from various somatic complaints and physical symptoms related to psychological distress.
The robust evidence supporting the efficacy of EMDR therapy has led to its widespread adoption and recognition as an effective, evidence-based approach to addressing trauma and other mental health challenges.
What to Expect from EMDR Therapy
Beginning EMDR treatment can feel both exciting and daunting. However, by taking this courageous step, you’ll soon discover that EMDR provides a transformative pathway to lasting healing and growth.
Your EMDR experience at Ascendant will begin with a comprehensive assessment and treatment planning session. Our team of EMDR therapists will take the time to deeply understand your unique circumstances, the specific issues you’re seeking to address, and your personal goals for therapy.
As you progress through EMDR sessions, you’ll work closely with your trained counselor to identify and target the traumatic memories or disturbing life experiences that continue to impact your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Using a structured, evidence-based protocol, your clinician will guide you through a process of recalling these memories while simultaneously engaging in rapid eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation.
This powerful combination helps to unlock your brain’s natural information processing capabilities, allowing you to adaptively reframe and integrate the traumatic experiences. You may find yourself experiencing a wide range of emotions during this process – from discomfort and anxiety to profound relief and a sense of liberation. Your team will be there to support you every step of the way, ensuring you have the necessary coping strategies and resources to navigate these emotions safely.
Over time, as you continue to engage in EMDR therapy, you’ll likely notice a significant reduction in the intensity and vividness of your traumatic memories. The negative beliefs and physical sensations associated with these experiences will gradually transform, empowering you to develop a more adaptive, empowered perspective. Many clients report feeling a profound sense of inner peace, self-acceptance, and the freedom to move forward with their lives.
EMDR Therapy at Ascendant
Starting EMDR therapy in New York at Ascendant is an investment in your long-term mental health and well-being. With the guidance of our experienced, EMDR-trained clinicians, you’ll embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and personal growth – emerging stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to thrive in all areas of your life.
Frequently Asked Questions about EMDR Therapy in NYC
While you will discuss the traumatic event, EMDR therapy in New York City (and elsewhere) does not require you to recount every detail extensively. The focus is on processing the memory in a way that reduces its emotional impact rather than delving deeply into every aspect of the trauma.
EMDR differs from traditional talk psychotherapy in that it uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, to help reprocess traumatic memories. This approach targets the memory directly to reduce its emotional charge, rather than solely focusing on verbal exploration and cognitive restructuring with your trauma therapist.
The number of EMDR sessions/trauma therapy sessions required varies widely. Some may experience significant improvement in just a few sessions, while others may require more extensive therapy. The exact number depends on the complexity of the trauma and individual responses to the treatment.
Yes, EMDR can be effectively combined with other therapeutic and mental health counseling approaches. It’s often integrated with therapy modalities to address both the cognitive and emotional aspects of trauma. Additionally, EMDR can complement medication management or other supportive treatments, creating a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan. This integration helps address various aspects of mental health and enhances overall outcomes.
[1] Cleveland Clinic. (2022, March 29). EMDR therapy: What it is, procedure & effectiveness. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22641-emdr-therapy on August 8, 2024
[2] American Psychological Association. (2017). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing on August 8, 2024
[3] Shapiro, F. (2014). The role of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in medicine: Addressing the psychological and physical symptoms stemming from adverse life experience. The Permanente Journal, 18(1), 71–77. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3951033/ on August 8, 2024
[4] Hill, M. D. (2020). Adaptive Information Processing Theory: Origins, Principles, Applications, and Evidence. Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work, 17(3), 317–331. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32420834/ on August 8, 2024
[5] EMDR for the co-occurring population – Counseling Today Archive. (2014, May 29). Counseling Today Archive – Archive. https://ctarchive.counseling.org/2014/05/emdr-for-the-co-occurring-population/ on August 8, 2024
[6] Shapiro, F. (2014). The role of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in medicine: Addressing the psychological and physical symptoms stemming from adverse life experience. The Permanente Journal, 18(1), 71–77. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3951033/ on August 8, 2024
[7] Gainer, D., Alam, S., Alam, H., & Redding, H. (2020). A FLASH OF HOPE: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience, 17(7-9), 12–20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7839656/ on August 8, 2024