At Life Directions Counseling, we offer EMDR therapy as part of our comprehensive approach to healing and personal growth. EMDR can take place as part of your counseling and be combined with individual therapy. With EMDR, we can address a wide range of concerns and experiences.

As a licensed psychologist, marriage and family therapist, and certified career counselor, I specialize in career counseling and life design concerns. I am also an EMDRIA-approved EMDR therapist, specializing in trauma-informed career counseling. With EMDR, we can address a wide range of concerns, including trauma related to career experiences.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a highly effective and evidence-based therapy approach that has been widely recognized for its success in treating trauma, anxiety, and other emotional distress. It integrates elements from various therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and bilateral stimulation, to help individuals process and resolve distressing memories and experiences.

EMDR therapy can be effective in addressing a range of issues, including:

• Career trauma, adverse experiences with work, and negative thoughts about work
• Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety and panic disorders
• Phobias and fears
• Depression and mood disorders
• Grief and loss
• Self-esteem and self-worth issues
• Relationship difficulties
• Childhood and developmental traumas
• Performance anxiety and creative blocks
• Stress and burnout
• Addictions and substance abuse
• Body image issues
• Dissociative disorders
• Chronic pain and somatic symptoms

Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and there may be other concerns that EMDR therapy can help with as well. Once we begin therapy, we can determine together if EMDR is appropriate for addressing your specific needs.

During an EMDR therapy session, we will work collaboratively to address your traumas and their impact on your emotional well-being and professional growth. Here's what you can expect during an EMDR therapy session:

Assessment and Treatment Planning: 

We begin by conducting a thorough assessment to understand your unique needs, trauma history, and challenges. Based on this assessment, we develop a personalized treatment plan that outlines the specific traumas we will target during EMDR therapy.

Building Resources: 

Before diving into the trauma processing phase, we focus on building inner resources and coping skills to ensure your emotional well-being and resilience throughout the process. This may involve relaxation techniques, grounding exercises, and developing strategies to manage any distress that may arise.

Identifying Target Memories: 

Together, we identify the specific traumas that you would like to address. These may include specific incidents, ongoing workplace issues, or broader themes related to your professional experiences. We prioritize the targets and determine which memories to focus on first.

Dual Attention Stimulation: 

EMDR therapy utilizes a form of bilateral stimulation to facilitate the processing of traumatic memories. This bilateral stimulation can involve eye movements, auditory tones, or tactile sensations, such as tapping or bilateral vibrations. These bilateral stimuli are used to create a rhythmic back-and-forth attention focus, allowing your brain to process and integrate the traumatic memories in a safe and controlled manner.

Processing Traumatic Memories: 

With the bilateral stimulation in place, you will be guided to recall the target memory while simultaneously attending to the bilateral stimuli. This process helps access and activate the distressing memory, including associated emotions, thoughts, and bodily sensations. As the memory is activated, your brain's natural information processing system is stimulated, facilitating the reprocessing and integration of the traumatic memory.

Cognitive Reprocessing: 

As the traumatic memory is reprocessed, you may experience shifts in your thoughts, emotions, and beliefs surrounding the traumatic event. Negative beliefs and self-perceptions associated with the trauma are gradually replaced with more positive and adaptive cognitions, fostering healing, growth, and increased self-confidence in relation to your career.

Closure and Reflection: 

At the end of each EMDR session, we take the time to ground ourselves, ensuring that you feel safe and supported before concluding the session. We may also reflect on the insights, emotions, or experiences that emerged during the processing phase, allowing you to integrate your new perspectives and experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR

Below are answers to common questions about our therapy:

How long does EMDR therapy take?

The length of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy varies for each individual. Some people may notice improvement within just a few sessions, especially if the trauma is specific and recent. Others with more complex or long-standing trauma may require ongoing therapy to fully process their experiences. EMDR is designed to be adaptive, and your therapist will regularly assess your progress to ensure the pace feels manageable and supportive. Your healing is not rushed—it's tailored to your emotional readiness and long-term goals.

Is EMDR safe for everyone?

EMDR is considered a safe and evidence-based approach for most individuals struggling with trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and other emotional challenges. It is endorsed by mental health organizations worldwide due to its effectiveness and gentle process. During your initial consultation, your therapist will carefully evaluate whether EMDR is appropriate for your specific situation. In some cases, other forms of therapy may be recommended before starting EMDR, particularly if additional emotional stability or coping tools are needed first.

Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?

No. One of the key strengths of EMDR is that it does not require you to verbally relive every aspect of your traumatic experience. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR works by targeting distressing memories while minimizing the need to share explicit details. Your therapist will guide you through the process in a way that honors your boundaries and comfort level, ensuring that you feel safe and supported at every step. Many clients find this approach less emotionally taxing while still highly effective.

EMDR therapy holds immense transformative potential for individuals struggling with trauma. By reprocessing and integrating traumatic memories, EMDR helps alleviate distress, reduce negative beliefs and self-perceptions, and empower you to pursue your career goals with confidence and resilience. Through this powerful therapeutic approach, you can reclaim your professional identity, overcome career obstacles, and create a fulfilling and rewarding career path aligned with your aspirations.

Addressing Career-Related Trauma with EMDR

When it comes to career-related trauma, EMDR can be particularly beneficial. Trauma in the context of one's career can manifest in various ways, such as: 

Lack of Confidence and Low Self-Worth: 

Trauma can contribute to a loss of confidence in one's abilities, a diminished sense of self-worth, and negative beliefs about one's professional value and capabilities.

Workplace Harassment: 

Experiencing ongoing bullying, discrimination, or abusive behavior in the workplace can have long-lasting effects on one's emotional well-being and career satisfaction.

Job Loss or Layoffs: 

Sudden termination or unexpected job loss can lead to feelings of grief, loss of identity, financial stress, and uncertainty about future career prospects.

Work-Related Accidents or Injuries: 

Experiencing a traumatic incident or physical harm in the workplace, such as an accident, can leave lasting emotional scars and hinder one's ability to return to work or feel safe in a similar environment.

Career Transitions: 

Significant changes in one's career, such as starting a new job, changing professions, or launching a business, can be accompanied by stress, self-doubt, and fear of failure.

High-Pressure Work Environments: 

Working in demanding and high-stress environments, such as emergency services, healthcare, or competitive industries, can lead to chronic stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion.

The Therapeutic Journey with EMDR 

Through EMDR therapy, we work collaboratively to identify and target the specific traumas that are impacting you. We create a safe and supportive environment where you can explore these experiences, process the associated emotions, and reframe negative beliefs that may be hindering your career growth. EMDR helps you access and reprocess the memories and emotions associated with the traumatic events, allowing for adaptive resolution and the integration of healthier beliefs and coping strategies.