(Eye
Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
At Advanced Cognitive Therapy of New York, you can use therapeutic
techniques to enhance your progress based on a cognitive therapy
foundation. One technique, eye movement desensitization and
reprocessing (EMDR), pairs visual stimulation (eye movements)
with a focus on traumatic memories and associated negative
beliefs. Preliminary research suggests rapid relief of symptoms
of anxiety when EMDR is used in conjunction with other therapeutic
interventions, such as cognitive therapy (Seligman).
EMDR occurs in the second phase of schema therapy. In the
first phase (cognitive-behavioral), your cognitions are identified
and labeled as distortions or realistic concerns. If they
are realistic concerns, your therapist will work with you
to solve the problem or accept the concern and realistically
determine the concern’s effects. If the cognitions are
distorted, your therapist will help you challenge the distortions
to arrive at a realistic perspective. In the second phase,
emotive work, your emotions are tied to your schemas, or negative
beliefs. The two main techniques used to work with emotions
are Imagery (a Gestahlt technique) and EMDR. With a solid
cognitive therapy foundation, you can challenge negative beliefs
during Imagery and EMDR that can bring about lasting changes
to your life. Once schemas are challenged, the belief and
intensity of the negative cognitions diminish and work focuses
on the third phase, behavioral change.
EMDR can be especially helpful in the treatment of post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD), combined with cognitive behavioral
therapy. Specifically, EMDR can help heal the ravages of traumatic
events such as terrorist attacks and rape, lay grief to rest,
reduce phobias and panic attacks, and break addictions.
Competency of Therapist is an Issue
The availability of competent EMDR therapists is
an issue. At Advanced Cognitive Therapy of New York, you will
work with a highly experienced therapist who is compassionate,
understanding, and nonjudgmental. Trained at the EMDR Institute,
you can be assured your therapist expertly uses the latest
therapeutic techniques and skills, with broad experience in
your area of concern, and genuinely wants to help you feel
better.
Call now for a consultation to discuss therapy options:
(212) 725-7774 or
(888) 4-ACT-NYC or contact us via our
online form.
|
|
