IN THE REGION OF TRAUMA, ALL DURATION OR STRETCHING ALONG COLLAPSES; PAST BECOMES PRESENT, AND FUTURE LOSES ALL MEANING OTHER THAN ENDLESS REPETITION.
[ROBERT STOLOROW, PHD.]
Unlocking Healing and Growth through Advanced EMDR Therapy
Introduction:
As an expert trauma psychotherapist located in the Harley Street medical district of London, Comfort specialises in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. With extensive training and expertise in this cutting-edge approach, she is dedicated to helping individuals overcome emotional challenges and achieve profound healing.
What Is EMDR?:
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a well established and scientifically based type of therapy used to treat the symptoms of trauma and adverse life events. It is a relatively brief therapeutic treatment for trauma, when compared to traditional psychotherapy for trauma that can take many months or years. EMDR is recommended by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a first-line treatment for people with symptoms of PTSD. It is the gold standard treatment for PTSD across Veterans hospitals.
When someone experiences a traumatic event, the thoughts, feelings and memories they have about that event can get stuck, and it can feel impossible to move on from them. The aim of EMDR is to help the brain to reprocess distressing memories and to find a resolution. This will decrease symptoms and enable you to return to a higher quality of life.
Examples of the traumatic events that EMDR can help with include:
- Sexual and/or physical abuse
- Emotional and psychological abuse
- Domestic violence
- Neglect
- Natural disaster
- War
- Refugee experiences
- Trafficking experiences
- Assault
- Road traffic accidents
- Traumatic or accidental death and suicide
EMDR may also help with:
- Anxiety and panic disorders
- Phobias
- OCD
What happens in EMDR?
First One to Two Sessions: The first sessions of EMDR will involve treatment planning and patient history. If you have not already been working with Comfort, she will take a thorough background history, including information about the trauma you have endured, and allow time for you to feel comfortable with her.
Sessions Two to Three: If more time is needed to take a background history and to discuss your trauma, you will talk about that with Comfort in a safe, confidential, and gentle manner. She will discuss coping mechanisms with you, including hand signals for Comfort to stop if the EMDR feels too much, or in case you feel excessively anxious or you experience panic during the course of EMDR you will work on a “safe place protocol”. You will also be asked to bring a distressing image and memory from the past that coincides with a negative belief related to your traumatic event or situation. You will work with Comfort to develop positive opposing thoughts to the negative cognitions that you have about yourself.
Sessions Three to Four and Subsequent Sessions: Desensitisation and installation will occur during these sessions. With the traumatic memories along with the positive opposing thoughts, you have developed with Comfort, in mind, you will be asked to move your eyes from side-to-side for several seconds with the aid of a machine that moves light back and forth. You may also be asked to use a headset with pulsators that you hold in your hands, each providing bilateral stimulation. Often, patients have most success when they start following the lights with their eyes to then closing their eyes and listening to alternating beeps. Afterwards you will be asked to breathe deeply and discuss with Comfort what occurred during the exercise. This process is repeated until distress has reduced, and Comfort will work closely with you to reprocess and to create meaning of your traumatic experience.
At the beginning of each session, Comfort will evaluate your current psychological state, and you will continue to go forward with EMDR until there is significant enough improvement.
How Long Does EMDR Take?
The type of trauma and the severity of how you have been affected will determine how many sessions of EMDR will be needed. Comfort usually recommends starting with a course of six EMDR sessions. For most patients this is enough, as it allows for two to three initial sessions for history taking and assessment as well as roughly three sessions for the EMDR itself. However, sometimes more EMDR sessions are required, and after a course of six sessions, you can discuss with Comfort continuing until you experience enough relief from your symptoms of trauma.
Does EMDR Have side effects?
Usually, patients do not experience severe side effects, but it is a good idea to schedule EMDR towards the end of the day or on a day when you do not have something demanding to do, as it may be draining. It is possible that you may experience the following:
- Vivid dreams
- Lightheadedness
- An increase in difficult memories
- Heightened emotions or physical sensations during sessions
- Tiredness
Who Should not Do EMDR?
If you have a dissociative disorder or have a personality disorder diagnosis, EMDR is not advised.
EMDR at 4 Devonshire Street in the Harley Street Medical District
At her Harley Street practice, located at 4 Devonshire Street W1W 5DT, Comfort prioritises creating a safe and supportive environment for every client. She understands that embarking on a therapeutic journey requires trust and vulnerability. Therefore, she ensures a compassionate and non-judgmental space where you can feel free to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
Testimonials: Real Stories of Healing:
Hear from individuals who have experienced the transformative power of advanced EMDR therapy. Here are some testimonials from Comfort’s clients:
“My GP referred me to Comfort Shields for EMDR and I am forever grateful for that. I felt safe and supported throughout the EMDR process. It helped me overcome past traumas and regain control of my life.”
“I never thought healing was possible until I tried EMDR therapy. It’s incredible how it has changed my perspective and allowed me to let go of negative emotions. I highly recommend it.”
“As someone who struggled with anxiety, EMDR therapy has been life changing.”
More reviews can be read on Comfort’s Home Page.
Bupa Global, Cigna Global, Aetna, and other Health Insurance Policies: Enhancing Accessibility:
Recognising the importance of accessibility to quality mental health services, Comfort accepts Aviva, Bupa Global, Cigna and Cigna Global, Aetna, and WPA insurance plans. This allows individuals with these insurance plans to benefit from advanced EMDR therapy without financial constraints. By expanding access to transformative therapy, Comfort is committed to supporting individuals in their journey towards emotional well-being.
