Ground-breaking psychotherapy...
Helping people to heal efficiently
At Lesley Hartman & Associates Inc., we offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as one evidence-based treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and phobias. Some therapists may also use EMDR to treat depression, eating disorders, schizophrenia, sexual dysfunction, and stress caused by chronic disease.
Developed by Francine Shapiro in the 1990’s, EMDR is a ground-breaking psychotherapy that has resulted in excellent results across many research studies, helping people to heal efficiently from any symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. (source: EMDR Institute, Inc.)
If you live in the Halifax, NS area, and are seeking EMDR therapy, contact Lesley Hartman & Associates Inc. for more information. We currently have multiple trained EMDR therapists on staff.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is an eight-phase treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other concerns that rose from or have been exacerbated by adverse life experiences. EMDR therapy helps the mind heal from psychological trauma or adverse life experiences by restoring the brain’s natural balance of mental health. By focusing on eye movements or sequential tapping while concentrating on a deconstructed part of a traumatic or adverse memory, the brain can more easily process the traumatic event to lessen its negative impact on your mental health and therefore aid in healing
How does EMDR work?
EMDR uses bilateral (side-to-side) visual, auditory or tactile stimulation during a guided and structured therapy process in which a person remembers a disturbing event. This bilateral stimulation may be eye movements while following a light or a hand; or it may be listening to an alternating sound from one ear to the next; or it may be feeling the alternating vibration of a pulser from one hand to the other. Neuro-imaging (i.e. brain CT, MRI, PET scans, etc.) studies provide evidence that bilateral stimulation results in similar brain waves as REM (rapid-eye movement) or dream sleep.
Research has shown the importance of REM sleep in the maintenance of good mental health. Now known as Dual Attention Stimuli (DAS), the bilateral stimulation is believed to stimulate an orienting response in the brain which makes for more efficient processing of traumatic material.
EMDR therapy involves attention to three time periods: the past, present, and future. Focus is given to past disturbing memories and related events. Also, it is given to current situations that cause distress, and to developing the skills and attitudes needed for positive future actions. With EMDR therapy, these items are addressed using an eight-phase treatment approach.
If you are in the Halifax, NS area, and you are looking for EMDR therapists, contact Lesley Hartman and Associates Inc. for information and an appointment. We have seven trained EMDR therapists to meet your needs.
They can help you discover if Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing EMDR therapy is the right approach for you.
EMDR Therapy Phases
Phase 1 – History & Planning
The therapist gathers the client’s history, identifies problems and strengths, and develops a treatment plan. Together they select target memories or situations that cause distress.
Phase 2 – Preparation
Phases 3–6 – Processing Memories
Phase 7 – Closure
Phase 8 – Reevaluation
The therapist teaches the client coping and relaxation techniques (like imagery or stress reduction) to manage emotional distress during and between sessions.
A target memory is chosen and processed through EMDR procedures. The client identifies an image, negative belief, emotions, and body sensations related to the memory, as well as a positive belief.
The client focuses on these while engaging in dual attention stimuli (DAS) — such as eye movements, taps, or tones. The therapist guides the process, helping the client notice thoughts or feelings that arise and assisting if distress occurs.
These phases are repeated for different memories until emotional distress decreases and insight and behavioral change occur.
The therapist helps the client return to calm, review self-care strategies, and may suggest keeping a log of feelings or insights between sessions.
At the start of the next session, the therapist and client review progress and assess remaining distress. When the client reports no distress, the focus shifts to reinforcing positive beliefs and preparing for future situations.
Helpful EMDR Resources
Websites
Articles
Why our unconscious rules us and what to do about it. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ptsd-veterans_b_1284642
How memories keep us apart: The past is present. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ptsd-military_b_1250202
Books
Getting Past Your Past: Taking Control of Your Life with Self-Help Techniques from EMDR Therapy
(March 26, 2013) by Francine Shapiro, PhD
EMDR Interview with
Francine Shapiro
​
Would you like to see a therapist?
Please click here to be directed to our self-referral form. Submit this form to have your information sent to our team of intake professionals, who will contact you to briefly discuss your referral and possible appointment times.
Not ready to see a therapist, but have questions?
Please feel free to give us a call, send us an email, or fill in the form below, and we will get back to you shortly.
PHONE NUMBER: (902) 431-1721
EMAIL: ask@lesleyhartman.ca
