Expert EMDR Therapy Services
313 West Liberty Street, Ste. 224
Lancaster, PA 17603
Tel. 717-394-3994Fax: (717) 394-0124email: acrs@advanced-counseling.com
EMDR Therapy, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, is an evidence-based treatment offered by licensed professionals at ACRS for Trauma and PTSD Counseling. We will help you determine if EMDR is the right therapy for your specific needs. We provide high-quality In-Person and Online Telehealth EMDR Therapy for Trauma and PTSD in Pennsylvania.
Our Trauma and PTSD specialists will provide the services you need to get better and reclaim your life after Trauma.
You are not alone... healing is possible, and your healing starts here.
What is EMDR Therapy?
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
EMDR Bilateral Stimulation
EMDR involves the use of Bilateral Stimulation (typically through guided eye movements) to help you process and integrate traumatic memories.
Imagine your brain like a computer. When you experience something traumatic, it's like a file that gets stuck and won't process correctly. This "stuck" file can cause a lot of problems, like flashbacks, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. EMDR is like a special program that helps your brain process that stuck file.
The "bilateral stimulation" part is like pressing a special button that gets the processing going. Therapists can activate this button in a few ways:
- Eye Movements: You follow the therapist's finger moving back and forth, like watching a tennis match.
- Tapping: Your therapist taps your hands or shoulders, alternating from left to right.
- Sounds: You listen to alternating tones through headphones.
This back-and-forth stimulation seems to help both sides of your brain communicate better, which helps to "unstick" the traumatic memory.
While you're doing this, you'll be thinking about the memory, but the stimulation helps take the edge off the bad feelings. Over time, this process helps your brain to file the memory correctly, so it doesn't cause as much distress anymore. It's like defragmenting your computer's hard drive so everything runs smoother.
In simpler terms, EMDR uses back-and-forth stimulation (like eye movements or tapping) to help your brain process traumatic memories causing problems. It's like a mental reset button that helps you heal.
EMDR Desensitization
The therapy helps reduce the emotional charge of distressing memories, allowing you to reprocess these experiences in a healthier way.
Imagine you have a bad memory that keeps popping into your head, making you anxious or upset. It's like a scary scene from a movie that you can't stop replaying. EMDR Desensitization is like turning down the volume on that frightening scene. Here's how it works:
Think about the memory: You bring the upsetting memory to mind, along with any bad feelings, thoughts, and body sensations connected to it.
Do the eye movements (or taps): While thinking about the memory, you follow the therapist's fingers moving back and forth across your vision, or they might tap your hands or shoulders. This back-and-forth motion is called Bilateral Stimulation.
Notice what happens: As you do the eye movements or tapping, you might notice the memory becoming less clear, less upsetting, or even changing in some way. The bad feelings might start to fade. This is the Desensitization part – the memory is losing its power to upset you. It's like your brain can finally process the memory healthily, so it doesn't cause as much distress.
Think of it like this: Before EMDR: The memory is like a loud, scary movie scene that keeps repeating in your head.
During EMDR: The eye movements or tapping help your brain "rewind" and "reprocess" the scene, turning down the volume and reducing its scariness.
After EMDR: The memory is still there, but it's like a regular movie scene now – you can remember it without feeling overwhelmed by fear or sadness.
Important to remember: EMDR doesn't erase the memory. It just takes away the intense emotional pain that goes with it.
EMDR Reprocessing
You are guided to reframe negative beliefs and develop more adaptive coping strategies.
Imagine your brain like a filing cabinet. When you experience something traumatic, that memory gets filed incorrectly, maybe in the "danger" or "emergency" section. Every time you think about it, your brain reacts as if the danger is happening right now, causing stress.
EMDR reprocessing is like refiling that memory in the correct place, the "past events" section. This helps your brain understand that the danger is over and you're safe now. Here's how it works:
Focus on the memory: You bring the upsetting memory to mind, along with any bad feelings, thoughts, and body sensations connected to it.
Do the eye movements (or taps): While focusing on the memory, you follow the therapist's fingers moving back and forth across your vision, or they might tap your hands or shoulders. This is the Bilateral Stimulation.
Let your brain do its thing: The eye movements or tapping seem to help your brain process the memory in a new way. It's like your brain is returning to the original event and saying, "Okay, that happened, but it's over now."
New connections: As you reprocess the memory, you might start to have new thoughts and insights about what happened. For example, someone who felt responsible for a car accident might realize it wasn't their fault.
Think of it like this:
Before EMDR: Your memory is like a "stuck" file that keeps triggering a stress response.
During EMDR: The eye movements or tapping help your brain "unstick" the file and process it correctly.
After EMDR: The memory is filed correctly in the "past events" section, so it doesn't trigger the same stress response anymore.
Important to remember: EMDR Reprocessing doesn't erase the memory. EMDR just helps your brain process it in a healthier way, so it doesn't cause as much distress.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
EMDR Therapy can be beneficial for individuals experiencing:
- Trauma Survivors;
- PTSD;
- Anxiety and Panic Disorders;
- Depression, Grief, and Loss;
- Phobias;
- Performance Anxiety; and
- Childhood Trauma
What to Expect in Your EMDR Session
- Initial Consultation: During your first visit, we will discuss your history, current challenges, and goals for your therapy.
- Preparation: We will explain the EMDR process and establish a safe space for you to explore your memories.
- Desensitization: You will be guided through the EMDR process, focusing on specific memories while engaging in Bilateral Stimulation.
- Integration: We will work together to help you integrate the insights gained during the session into your daily life.
ACRS Offers You More Than EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an excellent treatment modality for Trauma and PTSD. However, ACRS clinicians utilize several proven effective techniques, including:- Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE): Involves gradual exposure to trauma-related memories and situations to reduce avoidance and anxiety.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on changing your negative thought patterns and behaviors.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): is a type of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy that focuses on helping you develop skills to manage your emotions, improve interpersonal relationships, and cope with distressing situations.
- Narrative Therapy: Encourages you to tell your stories, helping you understand your experiences.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is effective for both Trauma and PTSD, but it is particularly well-studied for PTSD.
- Somatic Experiencing: Focuses on your body’s physical response to Trauma and aims to release stored tension and Trauma
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Includes meditation and deep breathing to help you manage Trauma-related stress and anxiety.
- Psychoeducation: Educating you about Trauma and its effects can help you understand your experiences and develop coping strategies.
Online Telehealth EMDR Therapy
Is Telehealth EMDR Therapy Effective?
- Research has shown that EMDR Therapy can be effective when delivered through Telehealth. Many clients report positive outcomes similar to In-Person sessions.
- The key components of EMDR, such as Bilateral Stimulation and processing traumatic memories, can be effectively facilitated online.
Bilateral Stimulation
In a Telehealth setting, therapists can guide clients through Bilateral Stimulation using various methods:
- Eye Movements: You can follow the therapist’s hand movements on the screen.
- Audio Tones: Therapists can use audio tones that alternate between your left and right ears.
- Tactile Stimulation: You can use handheld devices or tapping techniques as instructed by your therapist.
Safety and Comfort
- Telehealth allows you to engage in therapy from the comfort of your own homes, which can enhance feelings of safety and security.
Accessibility
Telehealth makes EMDR Trauma and PTSD Therapy more accessible to you if you have difficulty attending In-Person sessions due to geographical, physical, or logistical barriers.
Confidentiality and Security
Therapists must ensure that your Telehealth platform is secure and compliant with privacy regulations (such as HIPAA in the United States) to protect your confidentiality.
Therapist Training
- Therapists conducting your EMDR via Telehealth must be trained in both EMDR Therapy and Telehealth technology. That's because therapists should be familiar with how to adapt the EMDR process to an online format.
Potential Downsides to EMDR Therapy
While research has proven EMDR Therapy effective for many people dealing with Trauma and PTSD, you need to consider some potential downsides and limitations. You must weigh these potential downsides by consulting with a qualified ACRS Trauma and PTSD professional to determine if it is the right approach for your specific needs. Here are some of the key downsides to EMDR Therapy to consider:
Emotional Distress: During EMDR sessions, your therapist may require that you recall distressing memories, which can lead to increased emotional discomfort or distress, which can be particularly challenging if you have severe trauma histories.
Not Suitable for Everyone: EMDR may not be appropriate for everyone, especially if you have certain mental health conditions, such as severe dissociative disorders, or who are currently experiencing a crisis. A thorough assessment by a qualified ARRS Therapist is essential.
Variable Effectiveness: While many benefit from EMDR, it may not work for everyone. You may find that your symptoms do not improve significantly or require a different or combination of treatment modalities. ACRS Trauma and PTSD experts at ACRS will ensure that you're getting the most effective treatment based on your unique needs.
Therapist Training and Experience: The effectiveness of EMDR therapy can depend heavily on your therapist's training and experience. Not all practitioners are equally skilled in delivering EMDR, which can impact the quality of care. ACRS EMDR Therapists are well-trained and experienced and deliver the highest quality EMDR Therapy in Pennsylvania.
Time Commitment: EMDR therapy typically requires multiple sessions to achieve desired results. The time commitment may be a barrier for you, especially if you have scheduling conflicts or financial constraints.
Physical Sensations: Some clients report experiencing physical sensations or discomfort during the Bilateral Stimulation Process (e.g., eye movements, taps, or sounds) that can be distracting or uncomfortable for some people.
Potential for Re-traumatization: If not conducted carefully, the process of revisiting traumatic memories can lead to re-traumatization or exacerbate symptoms. It is crucial for therapists to create a safe and supportive environment. Your ACRS Therapist will help you through these experiences.
Limited Research on Long-Term Effects: EMDR is a newer approach to Trauma and PTSD treatment. While substantial evidence supports the short- to medium-term effectiveness of EMDR, more research is needed to understand its long-term effects and how it compares to other therapeutic modalities over time.
Misunderstanding of the Process: There is considerable advertising about EMDR that may lead to misconceptions about EMDR. The advertisements may lead you to believe that EMDR is a quick fix or will eliminate your problems without effort. This misunderstanding can lead to disappointment if your treatments don't meet your expectations. Our goal is to get you "healed" as soon as possible. If EMDR does result in rapid improvement and healing, that's wonderful. However, for most people, EMDR takes time and effort. For most people, it's well worth it.
Cost and Accessibility: EMDR therapy can be expensive, depending on the therapist's fees and your insurance coverage. Additionally, access to trained EMDR therapists may be limited in some areas. However, ACRS delivers Online Telehealth EMDR as part of its standard practice, making high-quality treatment available to everyone in Pennsylvania.
EMDR Therapists at ACRS
Our counselors are trained in Trauma-Informed Care and have extensive experience helping individuals heal from traumatic experiences.
CEO and Chief Clinical Officer
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC);
- Pa. Lic. PC006514
- Fl. Lic. TPMC1044
- Certified Traumatologist (CT)
- National Certified Counselor (NCC)
- Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)
- Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
- Certified in Emergency Crisis Response (CECR)
- Master of Arts (MA)
- 20+ years of clinical experience.
- Worked with clients across the lifespan.
Take the first step towards healing. Contact us to schedule a consultation with an ACRS EMDR Trauma and PTSD Therapy expert or to learn more about EMDR Therapy.
Cheryl Wilson-Smith
CEO and Chief Clinical Officer
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC);
- Pa. Lic. PC006514
- Fl. Lic. TPMC1044
- Certified Traumatologist (CT)
- National Certified Counselor (NCC)
- Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)
- Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
- Certified in Emergency Crisis Response (CECR)
- Master of Arts (MA)
- 20+ years of clinical experience.
- Worked with clients across the lifespan.
"I have over 20 years of experience in In-Person and Online Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Trauma and PTSD Therapy. I guarantee that the EMDR Therapy ACRS provides to our clients is of the highest quality in Pennsylvania".
