Learn More About EMDR
What is EMDR
How EMDR Works
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a neurologically based form of trauma treatment.
It helps you reprocess old and disturbing events from your life while healing the brain.
EMDR was founded in the 1980’s by Francine Shapiro when PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) was a relatively new diagnosis. Research discovered that most disturbing events in our lives can be processed by the brain and our bodies can handle the emotional response.
However, sometimes we are not able to fully process those events and they get stuck in the back, less developed, irrational part of our brains.
The events are stored with negative beliefs about ourselves in relation to those incidents. For example, “I’m not good enough” “I should have done more” “I am a failure”.
Those beliefs get woven into the fabric of our lives and affect how we relate to the world and people around us.
EMDR therapy uses very simple bilateral stimulation (BLS) in the form of eye movement or other modalities, similar to what we experience during REM sleep.
The stimulation allows the brain to reprocess emotionally charged events and reframe them with positive beliefs about ourselves.
Processing and healing happens at the unconscious level allowing us to bypass our natural emotional resistance. You don’t need to “try harder”, you can just reprocess - and move on.
It is Like Riding on a Train
EMDR is similar to riding on a train. You are aware that you are safe and present here and now, while at the same time able to “watch” the images, sensations, and feelings associated with a memory pass by much as the scenery passes by for a passenger on a train.
The therapy won’t take the memories away but it will reduce the emotional triggers you get when you reflect on them.
It is literally the closest thing we have to a magic wand for healing our brains.
What is EMDR
How EMDR Works
EMDR for Anxiety, Depression and Phobias
Anxiety, depression and phobias can haunt people in a variety of different ways.
Do you struggle with:
Constant worry about your loved ones, your health or school work.
Overwhelming nerves when you have to run meetings at work, take a test, or drive to new places.
Paralyzing fear that you can’t really explain and doesn’t seem to go away.
Shrinking your world and experiences so you can avoid fearful or uncertain situations.
EMDR has been found to effectively treat mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, fears and phobias.
The research over the last 30 years has developed several protocols to relieve the effects of mood disorder symptoms.
When used in treatment, EMDR is meant to break the connection you have between certain circumstances or incidents and your symptoms.
When the symptoms started
What was going on at that time
How negative beliefs were formed
EMDR unlocks these memories, and with guidance, reprocesses and reframes them in a positive way, reducing your emotional response.
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Frequently Asked Questions
EMDR sessions last 50 minutes.
While most patients engage in weekly therapy… after your initial session I will provide a treatment plan frequency that will help you reach your health goals.
EMDR session (60 minutes) – $150
Longer EMDR sessions are available (90-120 minutes) at request but cannot be covered by insurance.
I currently participate with a few major insurance providers for mental health therapy. If I am not in network with yours I do provide a superbill after each visit that you can submit to your insurance company to receive out of network benefits if you have them. You can contact your insurance company and ask them specifically "What are my out of network benefits".
Neurofeedback is a separate program and not covered by insurance.
"Shelby is truly passionate about helping people to experience relief from their past and grow in confidence and enjoyment of their life in the present."
I have known Shelby as a colleague for many years. Shelby is truly passionate about helping people to experience relief from their past and grow in confidence and enjoyment of their life in the present. Shelby is a constant seeker of knowledge, skills, and support to stay current and reliable for those who trust her to walk with them on their journey of well-being.
Erin McConnell
"Shelby is true helper and wants to assist everyone in reaching their fullest potential."
She is dedicated to helping individuals heal from their past and guides them to develop the skills and tools to make this possible. I have known Shelby for several years, and she is a dependable therapist who is always looking for innovative and new ways to best help those she serves. Whether it be through consultation, extra training, resources, Shelby believes it is important to follow the research and incorporate any changes into her daily practice with her clients. As a colleague and a friend, Shelby is a wonderful listener and through her own personal experiences and knowledge in the field, her passion to make a difference in the lives of others is extremely evident.
Stacy Stearns
EMDR Therapy for Addiction
Have you been struggling with:
Alcoholism
Drug abuse
Gambling addiction
Sex addiction
Food addiction
Have you been clean and sober – only to fall into the slippery slope of relapse once again?
Or… maybe you have been sober for some time now but haven’t been able to heal from your own past trauma. You need more than just a twelve step program.
Or… maybe you were raised by addicts, or in a relationship with one, and have been held captive by their disease for years.
EMDR has been found to effectively treat individuals suffering from substance abuse because of the trauma that is often associated with addictions.
Thirty years of research have designed effective treatment protocols to relieve the effects of addiction, and resulting emotions and symptoms.
It’s time to break up with your addiction –
Start healing your brain’s intense desires to run and numb. Experience confidence that you can handle life’s challenges and re-discover peace and joy again.
Benefits of EMDR Therapy
Resolution of Trauma
Improved Relationships
Better Physical Health
Improved Focus & Concentration
Better Parenting Skills
Improved Sleep Quality
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