EMDR
So EMDR has been mentioned elsewhere in this site. Lets dig into it! It stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is helpful for someone who might have had a traumatic event that hasn’t been fully processed by the brain. While talking about a difficult memory, the therapist will use a noninvasive technique to engage both sides of the brain. Some people prefer tapping their left leg then right, some will follow a visual tool to the left then right. This detail will be worked out carefully between the patient and therapist in a way that is comfortable. The sessions always end with talking about a peaceful thought, memory or place. Spring will offer and I agree that focusing on our perfect heavenly Father at this point is very beneficial. My symptoms leading up to a need for EMDR therapy were that a disorganized partial memory, sound or smell popped up in my mind when it wasn’t welcome. This is more commonly known as PTSD but it can be hard to put labels on things. Labels or diagnosis can sometimes lead to shame or being identified as “depressed or anxious.” At the beginning of my healing there were so many labels or names I had been called stuck in my mind that I needed something more lifegiving. It felt very peaceful to remind myself of names like overcomer, set free, sealed, gifted. These are only possible by God’s spirit in a relationship with him. Some audiences might think PTSD or post traumatic stress disorder is only for war veterans but there are scary situations in many more places than that. Both Spring and I have used this therapy and would recommend it. We are still benefiting from the effects in our daily lives. My EDMR therapy was over 15 years ago. Everyone’s story is different and there is a reason this therapy is used by professionals.
1 John 5:4-5-for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has OVERCOME the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
Galatians 5:1- It is for freedom that Christ has SET us FREE. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Ephesians 4:30-And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were SEALED for the day of redemption.
Romans 12:6- We have different gifts, according to the GRACE given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.
~Alison
Rachel Wychers MA, LPC
I graduated with an MA in Counseling in 2009. I have experienced working with people using psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, person centered and strengths based therapy. For the past year I have been training with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy. Research shows EMDR has been helpful for healing traumatic or distressing experiences. EMDR has been recognized for helping with PTSD, anxiety and depression. It works by having clients briefly focus on a troubling memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, for instance, guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds. The goal of EMDR is not to erase the memory but have the memory have less negatively affect the body and mind. I have been asked about Christianity and EMDR, medications and other therapies. Doctors have been helpful in the healing process if there are physical things negatively affecting people’s mental health like low vitamin D, thyroid issues, food allergies, etc. I have worked with Christians and people that have no faith. Christian therapy can help by looking at Bible verses that would give understanding and pray about things too. Joyce Meyer wrote “Battlefield of the Mind” that talks about taking every thought captive and Dr. Caroline Leaf talked about neuroplasticity in the brain in her book, “Switch on your Brain.” In one of the books I read on EMDR a person tapped in their help and strength found in God and Jesus. Every person experiences things uniquely and learns differently so finding the best strategy is encouraged. Sometimes people benefit from multiple approaches. Therapy is a personal choice, feel free to do your research and ask questions to know what works best for you and aligns with your goals. No therapy should ask you to go against your beliefs but the ultimate goal should be what the client wants with their safety in mind while seeing someone live their best life. Attached is an EMDR consent form that goes into more detail and has research articles to review. If someone is in immediate danger they should call 911 or 988.
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