EMDR Therapy Leiden
EMDR therapy is designed for people who continue to experience complaints as a result of a traumatic event, such as an accident, sexual violence, or a violent incident. EMDR is the abbreviation of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and was first described by American psychologist Francine Shapiro more than 25 years ago. In subsequent years, this approach has been further developed into a complete and effective therapeutic method.
When is Emdr Therapy suitable?
How do you respond to a shocking, painful, or frightening event? You can process the event or get stuck in the processing process.
When processing stagnates, behavioural changes may occur. Sometimes you immediately notice that you feel differently or react differently to your environment. These changes can be obvious, but also subtle and gradual. It is possible that others around you will draw your attention to this. You may be aware of a general feeling of unwellness, but you may not realize that these changes are directly related to the unresolved traumatic event.
It may happen that the traumatic event leads to recurring anxious images or thoughts, resulting in complaints such as anxiety, sadness, or sleep problems. In such cases, EMDR is the treatment of choice to get rid of these complaints.
How does Emdr Therapy work?
I will ask you to think back to the traumatic event, including the associated images, thoughts and feelings. Initially, this is done to obtain more information about the traumatic experience. The processing of trauma is then started.
I will ask you to recall the event again, I will ask questions about it and I will also distract you. This distraction is often done with eye movements. But it can also be done in other ways. This means that EMDR can also be perfectly done outside.
There is a short break after each set. I will then ask you what comes up, what you think or what you feel. The EMDR procedure usually causes a flow of thoughts and images, and sometimesfeelings and physical sensations. Changes often occur. After each set you focus on the most noticeable change, after which a new set follows.
CAN EMDR THERAPY BE PERFORMED OUTSIDE?
EMDR therapy can also be given outside. We do not use eye movements, but for example wireless buzzers, throwing a stick back and forth or other means of distraction. EMDR therapy outside is just as effective as in an ‘indoor consultation room’.
EMDR THERAPY AND OTHER COMPLAINTS?
EMDR can also be used very well for other complaints, such as mood problems, anxiety complaints, panic complaints, experiences of loss and compulsion complaints.
You can find more information about EMDR therapy here.