About EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
EMDR is one of the most exciting new treatment models in psychotherapy,
especially for trauma-based problems. This revolutionary therapy has helped
thousands of individuals from all walks of life to recover from such traumas
as natural disasters, childhood abuse, accidents and assaults as well as
combat and war. In addition to the treatment of post-traumatic stress
disorder, EMDR is also used to heal the psychological effects of smaller
traumas that manifest in symptoms of depression, low self-esteem, anxiety,
phobias, relationships difficulties, and creative blocks. Not only does
recovery occur much more rapidly and thoroughly than in traditional therapy,
many clients report a kind of a spiritual transformation or a
"greater lightness of being" (as one of my clients noted after treatment)
due to EMDR's highly effective method of clearing emotional and physical
blockages.
Essentially, the goal of EMDR treatment is twofold:
1. To help us reprocess disturbing memories, dysfunctional beliefs,
intrusive images, overwhelming feelings and painful sensations.
2. And to help us acquire and process new information that will enhance our everyday living.
Please contact me if you have any questions concerning EMDR or if you are
wondering whether or not EMDR is an appropriate course of treatment for you.
About Therapeutic Mindfulness
Therapeutic mindfulness entails cultivating awareness of our present
experience with acceptance and in a non-judgmental manner. Simply put,
mindfulness is training the mind to "show up" to the present moment.
In order to cultivate awareness we need to slow down, observe and return to
the object of our attention repeatedly. Most of us are in one of two common
states: 1) an overactive mind 2) falling asleep (behind the wheel, as they
say). And we tend to operate as if we were under some sort of threat. That
given, mindfulness helps us to see the overall process of the mind and gain
insight into our suffering.
Mindfulness Can Help Us :
- To see and accept things as they are
- To loosen our preoccupation with "self"
- To become free to act skillfully
- To experience the richness of the moment
Mindfulness Helps Us Get Along:
- By not taking things personally
- By seeing others more clearly
- By not acting on urges compulsively
- By being present in relationships
- By not believing in our judgments
Mindfulness Practice Is Not:
- Having a "blank" mind
- Seeking bliss
- Escaping pain
- Withdrawing from life
- Becoming emotionless
Mindfulness practice is especially useful for those who are struggling with
anxiety, depression or chronic pain. If you are interested, I can teach you
a a wide range of mindfulness techniques from you may choose to apply to
your own practice. Most of my clients have significantly benefited from
incorporating some simple mindfulness exercises into their daily routine.
I have been studying meditation and therapeutic mindfulness for over 25
years and have familiarized myself with a host of informal and formal
mindfulness techniques that can help you to live a more fulfilling life.
Please contact me if you have any questions about mindfulness practice.
