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emdr

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a promising type of therapy used to address a variety of mental health concerns.

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EMDR

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treating trauma

Going through trauma is not rare—about 60% of adults experience one trauma in their lives. Often, counseling is fundamental in the process of healing for many people. Many members of our team are trained in EMDR and are ready to help you!

What is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a method developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, and is a “research-supported, integrative psychotherapy approach designed to treat symptoms of trauma and post-traumatic stress. EMDR sessions follow a specific sequence of phases, and practitioners use bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, to help the client process unresolved memories from adverse experiences. EMDR can be used to address any number of concerns, and it is compatible with other types of therapy.”¹

Who can benefit FROM EMDR?

EMDR is a therapy tool that has been shown to be effective for various kinds of issues, especially for individuals dealing with:

  • All forms of trauma
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Anger
  • Fears and phobias
  • Chronic pain
  • Substance abuse
  • Sports performance issues
Why EMDR at a Christian Counseling office?
Your therapist at Cornerstone is not only committed to their faith, but also committed to bringing the best evidence-based practices into your session. There have been many research studies scrutinizing the effectiveness of EMDR, and EMDR has consistently stood up to such inspection. Because of this, and our devotion to God and loving our neighbor, we believe that using EMDR is an excellent way to serve you on your journey to healing.
What will EMDR counseling sessions entail?
EMDR is an 8-phase process. The first phase involves getting to know the history of the problem that brings you into counseling and creating a treatment plan. Next, preparation for EMDR begins. This involves providing additional education about EMDR, as well as some ways to resource you for the potentially difficult work ahead. Your counselor will also start to assess if beginning EMDR in the current season of your life is a good idea (as EMDR is typically discouraged if you are currently involved in any kind of life transition like a divorce, a stressful move, etc.).
 Phase 4 is called “desensitization”–this is typically what people think of when they refer to EMDR. This phase involves activation of the right and left brain and focusing on a negative experience (typically an event from your past, but EMDR can also be used to desensitize a present stressor or a future one). Phase 5, which closely follows the completion of phase 4 involves “installing” a positive belief that you have come to learn about yourself. If I previously believed that “I deserved to be treated badly,” then a new positive belief might be something like “I am worthy of being treated kindly.” The additional phases help wrap up the processing that has occurred. All 8 phases can vary in the length of time they will take.
What ages are appropriate for EMDR counseling?
This is a great question! The simple answer is that there is no age limit on EMDR. If EMDR is used with children, be sure to confirm your therapist has been adequately trained in using it with kids. EMDR with kids is typically quicker than EMDR with adults and it can be used much more casually with a child (for example through playing patty cake).
How does EMDR help heal trauma?
Trauma is any lingering negative event that has not been processed. Being “traumatized” is an incredibly subjective experience. We can all experience the same negative events, but have various responses or reactions to the events. EMDR helps with the processing of an emotion that was stifled by the trauma. 
For example, if I experienced a horrific natural disaster, at that moment I might have been overwhelmed with fear. My fear will remain until I give myself a chance to move through it. We have found that trauma tends to trap unprocessed emotions in the brain and body. If untouched, these difficult emotions will linger and show up in various negative side effects throughout life (like irritability, anxiety, or depression, etc.). EMDR invites a person to “reprocess” this past negative event and allow it to be “digested.” Once metabolized, the past trauma no longer holds the same charge as it once did. As the famous professor of clinical psychiatry Dan Siegel once said: “Feel it to heal it.”

WE CAN HELP YOU

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When looking for counseling, there are many options available to you–this can be both reassuring and overwhelming. If you’re interested in talking more about EMDR and how it can help YOU, please reach out to our office team. 

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EMDR certified Specialists

These counselors have undergone extensive, rigorous training to become fully certified in EMDR. If you’re ready to move forward in your life, EMDR certified specialists can provide the steady support you need to heal. Check out their profiles and when you’re ready please feel free to contact us. We’re here for you!

BRAD FABLING

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Lee Anne Lindsay cornerstone christian counseling emdr certified

Lee Anne Lindsay

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EMDR trained Specialists

These counselors have various levels of training in EMDR, and are equipped to help you process through any difficulty in your life. Check out their profiles and when you’re ready please feel free to contact us. We’re here for you!

ANGELO WEYNEN

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ariella carter emdr cornerstone christian counseling

Ariella Carter

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Emily Scott

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Jessica Klika

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Kegan Mosier

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David Roddenberry

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Patrick Herzer

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Robin Mathias

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Sean Taylor

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Tristen vieaux

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We’re Here For You

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Questions or not sure what next step to take?  We’re here for you!  During our working hours you’ll likely be able to connect with someone on our admin team immediately.

303-902-3068 (Main Line)
904-439-4400 (Florida)
Cornerstone accepts CCHA Medicaid but does not bill other insurances. We do provide superbills for potential reimbursement.