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EMDR Therapy

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Now booking EMDR Therapy Intensives at Realms of Life Counseling. In person in Madison CT or telehealth!





Transform Your Life: Overcome Trauma with EMDR Therapy At Realms of Life Counseling

Everyday feels like a  struggle and you feel out of control. You find yourself wrestling with the shadows of the past and are tired of the flashbacks that pull you away from the present.

At work, you might find it challenging to concentrate, meet deadlines, or maintain professional relationships. The constant pressure to perform, coupled with the struggle to manage trauma-triggered stress, can feel like walking a tightrope without a safety net. 

As a parent, you find yourself overly anxious about your child's safety or struggling to respond to their needs with patience and empathy. You fear repeating patterns or exposing them to the remnants of your own trauma.

As a partner, you long to connect, feel safe but the past wounds constantly remind you "it is not safe to be vulnerable" as friends/family brush off your feelings or gaslight you into thinking "it is all in your head".

Sometimes and maybe, more often than you like, you "zone out" and have a hard time concentrating on tasks wondering if you have ADD/ADHD.

At Realms of Life Counseling, I understand that the repercussions of trauma are not limited to the mind; they infiltrate every aspect of your life, affecting your ability to work, parent, and in meaningful relationships. 

I can help you...

Untangle the complex web of trauma. 

 Redefine your life.

Address the root of your trauma.

 Rebuild connections.

Foster deep, transformative healing.

 Feel safe in the present.

 Believe that a better life is possible

 Reclaim your ability to live fully in the present — as a professional, a parent, partner and an individual.

Are you ready to invest in yourself?

How I can help with EMDR Therapy

Before we dive into EMDR therapy at Realms of Life Counseling, there's an important step we need to take together: getting ready for the journey. Here’s how I make sure you’re prepared and comfortable:

Learning Together: First off, I’ll walk you through what EMDR is all about—how it works, what you’ll do during sessions, and what you can expect to feel along the way. It’s a bit like learning the rules of a new game. This step is all about making sure you don’t feel lost or surprised as we go, helping to ease any worries right from the start.

Building Your Toolkit: Facing tough memories can be scary, so we’ll work on building a set of tools you can use to feel calmer and more in control. This might include learning how to breathe in a way that relaxes you, picturing places that make you feel safe, or finding quiet moments to meditate. I’ll also share some solid research that shows just how effective EMDR can be, which can help if you’re feeling unsure.

Choosing Our Focus: Together, we’ll pinpoint specific memories or challenges that you want to tackle with EMDR. These might be things from your past that still hurt, situations right now that trigger you, or even goals you want to achieve. By knowing exactly what we’re working on, we can make sure the therapy is tailored just for you.

Creating a Safe Space: One of the most important parts of therapy is making sure you feel safe, heard, and valued. Building a strong, trusting relationship is key. This means creating an environment where you feel comfortable sharing and where you know you’re supported every step of the way.

Answering Your Questions: It’s totally normal to have questions or even doubts about starting EMDR. This preparation time is your chance to ask anything and everything. Clearing up any misunderstandings and talking through your concerns means you can start therapy feeling informed and confident.

In simple terms, preparing for EMDR is about making sure you feel ready and equipped for the journey ahead. It’s about ensuring that when we start, you’re feeling as comfortable and supported as possible. Let's get ready for this together!

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a unique therapy designed to help people heal from emotional pain stemming from difficult life experiences. Let's break down the EMDR process into simple, easy-to-understand steps. 

First up, we have the "Getting to Know You" phase, where the therapist learns about your history. This helps them understand what specific events might be causing you distress. Next, we move on to "Preparation," where I equip you with techniques to handle emotional stress. Think of this as learning emotional first aid. The third step "Assessment," involves identifying a specific memory to focus on and what negative belief about yourself it’s linked to. Here, you'll also come up with a positive belief you’d rather have.

Then comes the core of EMDR, the "Desensitization" phase, where you'll focus on the troubling memory while simultaneously receiving bilateral stimulation, like eye movements or taps. This is believed to help your brain reprocess the memory. Following this, the "Installation" phase helps reinforce the positive belief you want to have instead. Afterward, the "Body Scan" phase checks if the memory causes any physical discomfort. If so, the process helps work through those sensations until you're comfortable. The final steps, "Closure" and "Reevaluation," ensure you leave the session feeling better than when you started and evaluate your progress over time. 

In essence, EMDR takes you on a journey from being stuck in the pain of past experiences to moving forward with a healthier, more positive outlook. It’s like cleaning out a wound so it can heal properly; it might be uncomfortable at first, but it’s a crucial step toward healing.

What is EMDR Therapy for?

EMDR therapy has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in treating a wide spectrum of traumas. Whether you've experienced a single traumatic incident or carry the weight of complex multiple traumas, EMDR can be transformative. At Realms of Life Counseling, EMDR therapy is used for:

Sexual Trauma 

Lack of self confidence

Recovering from childhood emotional neglect

Recovering from narcissistic abuse

Anxiety Relief

Nightmare Reduction

Panic Attack Management

Negative Self-Talk Transformation

Self-esteem Issues

Performance Anxiety (school/work/athletic)

Grief and Loss

Ready to Begin Your Journey? Let's Connect.

If you're ready to embark on a transformative journey towards healing with Realms of Life Counseling in Madison CT or online, reach out for a consultation. Discover the freedom to live without the shackles of past traumas. Your journey to a more fulfilling life starts with a conversation. Let's take that first step together.

FAQs About EMDR Therapy

Is EMDR therapy emotionally difficult?: Part of EMDR therapy is allowing yourself to feel painful emotions. Before we process, we make sure to focus on emotional regulation and self care and learn about your emotional limitations. EMDR is gentle.

Do I have to talk about my trauma?: Yes and No. You can talk about it if you like. It is important to note that I don't need to know details to help you process. EMDR doesnot require you to relive every second of your trauma.

What am I supposed to do during EMDR?: I will guide you through each step of the way. You will be in the here and now while also gently bringing up the past. There is no right or wrong way to process.