EMDR

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Sometimes unpleasant or traumatic experiences continue to haunt you, leaving you stuck in emotions like fear, sadness, or anger. You can feel powerless and feel like these feelings control your life. But what if you could let go of that burden, little by little? As a psychologist, I'd love to help you process limiting emotions so you can live with more peace and freedom. One method that can help is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)—a scientifically proven technique that has been proven effective in processing traumatic experiences.

What is EMDR?

EMDR was developed in 1987 by American psychologist Francine Shapiro. She accidentally discovered that her own negative thoughts had less emotional charge when she moved her eyes quickly from left to right. This insight led to further research and ultimately to the development of EMDR as a powerful treatment method for processing trauma and emotional blockages.

This form of therapy helps your brain process stuck memories naturally, reducing their emotional charge and making the memory feel less overwhelming. This doesn't mean you'll forget what happened, but it does mean it no longer affects or hinders you in the same way.

How does EMDR work?

During an EMDR session, I guide you step by step through the healing process. Together, we focus on a specific memory that triggers emotional pain, while I stimulate your brain with alternating sounds—sounds presented on both the left and right sides—to help with the processing.

This stimulation activates the brain's natural processing mechanism. The intense emotions associated with the memory are softened. You'll often notice even during the session that the memory becomes less intense and that space is created for new, helpful thoughts and feelings.

What's happening in the brain?

When you experience something traumatic, your brain may struggle to process it properly. This is because the memory is stored in a state of heightened emotional tension, often in the limbic system, where fear and stress are also regulated.

EMDR helps your brain reprocess the memory and store it differently, reducing its emotional charge. This happens by:

• Activation of brain networks – The bilateral stimulation helps both hemispheres of the brain to work together, making the memory more accessible.
• Reduction of emotional discharge – The brain reprocesses the memory and lowers the intensity of negative emotions.
• Working memory overload – Because you are actively engaged in multiple tasks during EMDR (for example, remembering and monitoring eye movements), the memory becomes less vivid and less emotionally charged.
• Forming new associations – Negative beliefs such as “I’m not safe” or “It’s my fault” can be replaced with more realistic and helpful thoughts.

This process happens largely unconsciously, so you don't have to actively delve into your emotions. The beauty of EMDR is that your brain essentially "relearns" how to deal with a difficult memory, without having to relive the pain over and over again.

Who is EMDR suitable for?

EMDR is often used for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it is also very effective for other complaints, such as:

• Anxiety disorders (such as social anxiety or panic attacks)
• Phobias (e.g. fear of heights or driving anxiety)
• Depressive feelings associated with trauma
• Chronic pain or physical complaints with an emotional origin
• Limiting beliefs ("I'm not good enough," "I'm powerless")

Do you suffer from recurring fears, insecurity, or sadness, without knowing exactly where they come from? EMDR can also help you process and release underlying memories or patterns.

What can you expect from EMDR?

Many people experience a noticeable change after just a few sessions. The sharp edges of the memory fade, reducing anxiety, anger, or guilt. You feel calmer and more in control of your own thoughts and emotions.

The goal of EMDR is to ensure that negative experiences no longer hinder your life. You'll notice yourself becoming stronger, more resilient, and able to look to the future with a greater sense of freedom.

Want to know if EMDR is right for you? Feel free to contact me. Together, we'll explore what you need to feel emotionally lighter and more empowered.