EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a form of therapy that helps people process trauma and other distressing life experiences. EMDR therapy has been extensively researched and is commonly used in the treatment of trauma and PTSD. Community Connection Counseling offers EMDR therapy in Brownsville, TX, as well as telehealth appointments for clients throughout Texas.

How can EMDR therapy help?

Our brains have a natural ability to recover from difficult and traumatic experiences. Sometimes, however, distressing memories remain unprocessed and continue to affect how a person thinks, feels, or reacts in the present. EMDR therapy is designed to help the brain process these experiences so that memories may become less distressing and have less influence over everyday life.

EMDR may be helpful for people experiencing trauma, PTSD, anxiety, panic, distressing memories, negative beliefs about themselves, or emotional reactions connected to past experiences. Treatment is individualized, and EMDR may be used as part of a broader therapy plan depending on each client's needs and goals.

What does EMDR therapy look like?

EMDR therapy is more than simply moving your eyes back and forth. Treatment begins by getting to know you, understanding your concerns, identifying goals for therapy, and making sure you have strategies to help manage difficult emotions before processing begins.

During EMDR processing, you may be asked to briefly focus on a distressing memory, thought, emotion, or body sensation while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements. The goal is not to erase the memory, but to help your brain process the experience so that it may feel less distressing and have less influence on your present life.

EMDR treatment is individualized. The pace of therapy and the techniques used will depend on your needs, comfort level, and treatment goals. Moses Losoya, LMFT, is EMDR trained and provides EMDR therapy at Community Connection Counseling in Brownsville, Texas, as well as through telehealth for clients located throughout Texas.