In this informative video, therapists Haley Moritz and Jenny Dalcore from Christian Family Care discuss Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. They explore how EMDR helps children and families work through trauma, debunk common misconceptions, and explain the therapy’s rigorous process. The conversation highlights EMDR’s focus on addressing traumatic memories stored in the brain, body, and emotions to foster healing. Dalcore explains the method’s phases and offers insights for parents considering EMDR for their children.
Introduction to EMDR Therapy
EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a specialized trauma therapy focusing on helping the brain process difficult memories. Originating as a method to treat PTSD, EMDR is now widely used to address a range of trauma responses. In this video, Haley Moritz and Jenny Dalcore introduce EMDR’s concepts, explaining its suitability for both children and adults.
What EMDR Does
EMDR therapy enables the brain to reprocess traumatic memories, allowing individuals to separate past experiences from present-day safety. Traumatic memories are often stored in a fragmented way, leading to reactivity, anxiety, or even aggression in children. EMDR aims to desensitize these responses, helping individuals achieve a calmer state and understand that these memories are from the past, not the present.
Phases of EMDR Therapy
Dalcore highlights EMDR’s structured eight-phase model, with an emphasis on preparation. Unlike immediate trauma processing, preparation focuses on building emotional and environmental stability to safely handle the intense experiences that emerge during EMDR.
- Preparation Phase: This phase is crucial, especially for children. It helps create a foundation of safety and stability, involving activities that strengthen resilience and readiness to process trauma.
- Processing Phase: Once prepared, individuals engage in trauma processing through controlled exposure to memories. Therapists use bilateral stimulation (such as vibrating buzzers or eye movement) to activate different parts of the brain, aiding in processing and reducing emotional distress.
Support for Parents and Families
Parents play an essential role in their child’s EMDR journey. Dalcore advises parents to understand that therapy might initially intensify emotions. Encouraging a nurturing environment and not linking therapy to negative behaviors helps children feel supported and less stigmatized about their experiences.
Conclusion
The video underscores EMDR’s potential for meaningful healing while advising patience and commitment to its comprehensive process. For families seeking to understand and manage trauma in a structured, safe way, EMDR may offer an effective path to recovery.
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