EMDR Therapy in St. Louis
Traumatic and painful memories are often difficult to talk about. It is hard to talk and process anything when you are re-experiencing the emotional distress they trigger. This is where EMDR therapy can help. Our EMDR therapists will help you through those memories so you can move forward in your life.
Call (314) 200-5131 to make an appointment.
Who EMDR Therapy Is For
EMDR is suitable for you if:
- you are struggling with the painful effects of trauma or a negative life experience
- talk therapy alone has not helped
- you have unresolved trauma
It is highly effective for people with trauma-based disorders such as:
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)
- Second Hand Trauma
- Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)
- Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED)
Treating Trauma and Trauma-based Disorders With EMDR
Your therapist will begin with an evaluation to determine if EMDR is a good fit for your needs and current situation. Sharing your symptoms, health history and briefly talking about your trauma will help your therapist understand your current situation and identify potential memories to address.
You will then be guided through techniques to manage and cope with the emotional or physical responses, feelings, and body sensations that might present themselves during treatment. Techniques such as breathwork, meditation, stress management, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Your therapist will then lead you through your EMDR treatment to resolve the trauma or issue that may be causing your disorder. During the treatment, you will be asked to focus on a specific traumatic event or memory while the therapist uses bilateral stimulation to help the brain process the information. This can help reduce the distress associated with the memory and improve overall functioning.
Make an Appointment With Our Licensed EMDR Therapists & Counselors
At West County Behavioral Health, our therapists and counselors are trained in EMDR therapy and have years of experience working with trauma with clients. And we empathize to the fact that processing memories that may include unpleasant negative thoughts, negative beliefs, emotional pain, and physical pain can be terrifying for you. Rest assured that we will support you throughout the EMDR therapy and work with you to make sure you remain comfortable and calm.
Call (314) 200-5131 for your first session.
West County Behavioral Health, St. Louis, MO
We are dedicated to providing high-quality therapy and psychiatric services to the residents of the Greater St. Louis area. Located in Saint Louis, Missouri, West County Behavioral Health is readily accessible to the residents of St. Charles and St. Louis. We strive to create a safe and supportive atmosphere where clients can open up and process their past. Our therapists work collaboratively with clients and find it rewarding to help people heal from past traumas and achieve their goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a psychotherapy treatment that was originally designed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. It is an evidence-based treatment as it has been extensively researched and proven to be effective in the treatment of trauma.
In practice, EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from different treatment approaches. There are 8 specialized phases that are to be carried out in sequence: evaluation and treatment planning, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and re-evaluation.
What is EMDR used for?
EMDR is commonly used to help clients overcome the negative effects of traumatic experiences, such as PTSD, phobias, and addiction. It can also be helpful in reducing distress and improving overall mental health.
How does EMDR work?
During an EMDR therapy session, the therapist will guide the client through a series of bilateral stimulation exercises, which might involve a combination of specific eye movements, tapping, audio tones, or blinking lights. This is designed to mimic the natural information processing that occurs during REM sleep and can help to facilitate the processing of traumatic experiences.
Is EMDR safe?
Yes, EMDR is safe and has been extensively researched. EMDR is suitable for adolescents, teenagers, and adults of all ages. And is a safe and effective alternative to traditional talk therapy.
Our therapists often use EMDR as needed as part of the treatment plan for:
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Psychosis
Our therapists are trained and certified in EMDR therapy, so you can trust that you are in good hands.
What should I expect during an EMDR therapy session?
During an EMDR therapy session, you can expect to discuss your traumatic experiences and mental health issues with your therapist. Your therapist will then guide you through bilateral stimulation exercises, while you focus on the memories and experiences that are causing distress. You may experience a range of emotions during the session, but your therapist will be there to support you and help you feel safe.