EMDR Archives

The Crucial Impact of Early Experiences on Our Present Well-being

Our past experiences, particularly adverse ones during early childhood, play a pivotal role in shaping our lives. These experiences influence our emotional well-being, interpersonal relationships, and overall psychological health throughout adulthood. To understand the workings of EMDR therapy, it’s essential to understand how our past experiences shaped memories and how these memories can affect our emotional and physiological well-being in the present.

The Nervous System: A Fundamental Element

Let’s start by understanding the nervous system, the body’s command center responsible for sending messages between the brain and all other body parts. It regulates essential functions such as breathing, movement, speech, and vision, while also monitoring internal and external stimuli. The nervous system comprises the Central Nervous System (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord, and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), a network of nerves extending from the spinal cord.

Within the PNS, two branches are crucial to our discussion: the Somatic Nervous System, governing voluntary movements, and the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), which regulates involuntary body functions such as heart rate and breathing. The ANS viewed through the lens of Polyvagal Theory, is particularly involved in the stress response or fight-or-flight reaction, making it a focal point in EMDR therapy.

Memories and Their Encoding in the Brain

The brain, as the central command of the body, encodes and stores information gathered from our experiences, forming a repository of memories. These memories hold valuable information and lessons derived from past experiences, shaping our present identity. They also guide our expectations of others and influence how we navigate and respond to our surroundings and the individuals within our environment.

Trauma, Memories, and Relationship Dynamics

Trauma and persistent chronic stress can significantly impact the nervous system, disrupting both the brain and the body’s normal functioning. This disruption can lead to a range of physical and psychological consequences, including heightened emotional responses and altered perceptions of safety. Over time, these effects set the stage for enduring consequences that shape how we approach future challenges as well as our relationships.

Healing Potential through EMDR Therapy

Understanding the intricate interplay between trauma, memories, and the nervous system provides vital insights into the complexities of current issues often brought to therapy. By delving into these connections, we can develop a deeper understanding of the resilience of the nervous system and the potential for healing and growth through EMDR Therapy.

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Collaborating for Healing

If you have been in traditional therapy but feel your progress has halted, Adjunct EMDR Therapy might be an option to help move treatment forward. This type of therapy can can help with issues that are blocking therapy progress such as:

Single incident trauma
Simple phobia
An Intrusive memory
A blocking belief

The Process

I partner with you and your primary therapist on the identification of a specific memory, issue, or limiting belief that is keeping the treatment from moving forward. By narrowly targeting specific traumatic memories or intrusive material, brief Adjunct EMDR Therapy can accelerate progress in traditional therapy.

Adjunct EMDR therapy does not replace or interrupt ongoing therapy –it is a brief supplement to the primary therapeutic relationship. With Adjunct EMDR therapy, you are able to continue to receive treatment with your primary therapist.

Adjunct EMDR Therapy is scheduled in an intensive format and is considered a short-term form of therapy. Sessions are offered in 3-hour formats for approximately 4 to 6 sessions.

Who is a good candidate?

Adults who have a good working relationship with their therapist
The primary therapist is willing to actively collaborate
No active substance abuse, self-injury, or safety risks including unstable living conditions
Ability to stay present in therapy (minimal dissociation)

How do I start?

If you or your primary therapist feel Adjunct EMDR therapy would be beneficial to help move treatment forward, you may request a free 15-minute consultation.