
Transformative Power of EMDR Therapy
Discover the transformative power of EMDR therapy with our certified therapists. We are dedicated to helping you improve your mental health and achieve emotional healing. Experience a supportive environment where your journey toward wellness begins.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD often occurs after experiences such as military combat, physical assault, rape, car accidents or any traumatic experience. This method of therapy helps individuals to cope with traumas or other symptoms they may face.
EMDR is a psychotherapy treatment that was originally designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. EMDR therapy facilitates the accessing and processing of traumatic memories and other adverse life experience to bring these to an adaptive resolution. After successful treatment with EMDR therapy, affective distress is relieved, negative beliefs are reformulated, and physiological arousal is reduced.
EMDR Therapy For Panic Disorder
Panic attacks are the worst. It often feels like they come out of nowhere, and they completely hijack your body and mind. Eventually, you may feel as if your life revolves around trying to avoid them, and dreading the next one. What can you do to get out of this cycle? Together, mindfulness tools and EMDR therapy can help.
What is a panic attack?
A panic attack is the activation of your body’s fight or flight system. Your brain’s job is to keep you safe, not make you happy. So your brain is constantly on the lookout for dangers. When a danger is present, the fight or flight system prepares you to protect yourself by fighting or running away. When a danger is not actually present, we call the false alarm a panic attack. Sometimes it’s a reaction to stress, and sometimes it feels like it comes out of nowhere. Symptoms may include:
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Racing heart rate
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Shortness of breath
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Feeling of panic or impending doom
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Feeling of “going crazy” or losing control
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Sweating
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Tingling or numbness in hands, feet, face, or lips
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Feeling “foggy” or like the world is distant
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Feeling outside of your body
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Feeling of wanting to run or escape
Most panic attacks are brief, about 5-15 minutes, but they sometimes last longer. Many people feel as if they are having a heart attack. If that is the case, you should consult a doctor in order to rule out any kind of heart condition. Once you know that what you are dealing with is anxiety, we can use mindfulness tools and EMDR to help.
Reducing the Fear of Fear
We use mindfulness tools to help you learn to calm your mind when you start to notice the first signs of panic attacks. You might practice slow, deep breathing, while telling yourself things like, “It’s just a feeling. It’s uncomfortable, but not dangerous. It will end, it always has before. I can let it pass by like a wave. ” Read more about what to do during a panic attack here.
EMDR Therapy for Anxiety & Panic Attacks
EMDR therapy can help reduce how often panic attacks are triggered in the first place. The first panic attack you have may be related to some sort of stress. After that, panic attacks may happen simply because a similar situation comes up. Whenever you have a scary experience (such as a panic attack), you brain bookmarks everything about the situation and stores a vivid memory of the place, the smell, the sounds, the people around you, etc. When a similar situation comes up later, your brain recognizes it and automatically activates your fight or flight system to protect you. Eventually, your brain may bookmark more and more situations as “dangerous,” until you live in fear and dread of a panic attack happening at any time.
With EMDR, we reverse this process. We go back to where the panic attacks began, and teach your brain that the situation is not dangerous, and that you can cope with it. This way we can curb the automatic fight or flight reactions your body is having. During EMDR, you focus on events that contributed to the panic attacks, and the therapist helps you connect the emotional part of your brain that feels afraid (the limbic system), with the logical part of your brain that knows you’re ok (the prefrontal cortex). We use EMDR to process through events in the following order:
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Background stressors to the first panic attack
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The first panic attack
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The worst panic attack
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The most recent panic attack
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Any childhood events that contributed to feeling unsafe
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Current triggers
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Uncomfortable body sensations associated with anxiety (e.g. rapid breathing, rapid heartrate)
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How you’d like to feel in the future
Together, we help you manage anxiety in the present while working to calm your brain so that panic attacks occur less often in the first place. Contact me so we can start a plan for you to conquer your fears and live your life to the fullest. (Dr. Kathryn Soule, PhD)
EMDR Virtual Therapy (Online EMDR)
The primary principles and phases of EMDR do not change when done online. It is essentially the same and potentially enhanced by the fact that those receiving treatment can utilize various home comforts during treatment.
EMDR uses grounding techniques to help the client feel safe during the process. Often with EMDR online, providers will spend more time focusing on these grounding techniques, or “resources,” since the provider is less able to support that process remotely.
Some providers have been administering EMDR online with success for years. The pandemic further highlighted the need for effective, online treatments. Thankfully, hundreds of providers adapted to administering EMDR as a remote-therapy and in telehealth settings. Unfortunately there has not yet been extensive research comparing the use of EMDR online versus in-person; however, pre-published data is promising.
Process of EMDR Therapy
During EMDR therapy the client attends to emotionally disturbing material in brief sequential doses while simultaneously focusing on an external stimulus. Therapist directed lateral eye movements are the most commonly used external stimulus but a variety of other stimuli including hand-tapping and audio stimulation are often used (Shapiro, 1991). Shapiro (1995, 2001) hypothesizes that EMDR therapy facilitates the accessing of the traumatic memory network, so that information processing is enhanced, with new associations forged between the traumatic memory and more adaptive memories or information.
These new associations are thought to result in complete information processing, new learning, elimination of emotional distress, and development of cognitive insights. EMDR therapy uses a three pronged protocol: (1) the past events that have laid the groundwork for dysfunction are processed, forging new associative links with adaptive information; (2) the current circumstances that elicit distress are targeted, and internal and external triggers are desensitized; (3) imaginal templates of future events are incorporated, to assist the client in acquiring the skills needed for adaptive functioning.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference. It is widely assumed that severe emotional pain requires a long time to heal. EMDR therapy shows that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma. When you cut your hand, your body works to close the wound. If a foreign object or repeated injury irritates the wound, it festers and causes pain. Once the block is removed, healing resumes.
EMDR therapy demonstrates that a similar sequence of events occurs with mental processes. The brain’s information processing system naturally moves toward mental health. If the system is blocked or imbalanced by the impact of a disturbing event, the emotional wound festers and can cause intense suffering. Once the block is removed, healing resumes. Using the detailed protocols and procedures learned in EMDR therapy training sessions, clinicians help clients activate their natural healing processes.
More than 30 positive controlled outcome studies have been done on EMDR therapy.
Some of the studies show that 84%-90% of single-trauma victims no longer have post-traumatic stress disorder after only three 90-minute sessions. Another study, funded by the HMO Kaiser Permanente, found that 100% of the single-trauma victims and 77% of multiple trauma victims no longer were diagnosed with PTSD after only six 50-minute sessions. In another study, 77% of combat veterans were free of PTSD in 12 sessions. There has been so much research on EMDR therapy that it is now recognized as an effective form of treatment for trauma and other disturbing experiences by organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organization and the Department of Defense.
Given the worldwide recognition as an effective treatment of trauma, you can easily see how EMDR therapy would be effective in treating the “everyday” memories that are the reason people have low self-esteem, feelings of powerlessness, and all the myriad problems that bring them in for therapy. Over 100,000 clinicians throughout the world use the therapy. Millions of people have been treated successfully over the past 25 years.
EMDR therapy is an eight-phase treatment. Eye movements (or other bilateral stimulation) are used during one part of the session. After the clinician has determined which memory to target first, he asks the client to hold different aspects of that event or thought in mind and to use his eyes to track the therapist’s hand as it moves back and forth across the client’s field of vision.
As this happens, for reasons believed by a Harvard researcher to be connected with the biological mechanisms involved in Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, internal associations arise and the clients begin to process the memory and disturbing feelings. In successful EMDR therapy, the meaning of painful events is transformed on an emotional level. For instance, a rape victim shifts from feeling horror and self-disgust to holding the firm belief that, “I survived it and I am strong.” Unlike talk therapy, the insights clients gain in EMDR therapy result not so much from clinician interpretation, but from the client’s own accelerated intellectual and emotional processes.
The net effect is that clients conclude EMDR therapy feeling empowered by the very experiences that once debased them. Their wounds have not just closed, they have transformed. As a natural outcome of the EMDR therapeutic process, the clients’ thoughts, feelings and behavior are all robust indicators of emotional health and resolution—all without speaking in detail or doing homework used in other therapies. (BY EMDR INSTITUTE, INC)
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Q4: Is the cost of EMDR therapy the same as regular therapy sessions at Lighthouse Therapy?A: At Lighthouse Counseling, the cost structure for EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is designed to be accessible and comparable to our regular therapy sessions. While specific pricing may vary based on individual therapy plans, session lengths, and the unique needs of each client, we strive to keep our services equitable. This means you can generally expect the cost of EMDR therapy to be similar to that of standard therapy sessions offered at Lighthouse Therapy. For detailed information and personalized pricing, we encourage you to contact us directly to discuss your specific needs and to receive an accurate estimate. Our commitment is to provide quality care and support to children, adolescents, adults, and families, ensuring a safe and guiding environment for all our clients.
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Q1: How effective is EMDR therapy for treating trauma and other mental health issues?A: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating trauma and other mental health issues. At Lighthouse Therapy, we specialize in providing EMDR therapy through our online platform to children, adolescents, adults, and families. EMDR has been extensively researched and found to be particularly effective for individuals suffering from PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. The therapy involves guided eye movements that help reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact and aiding in the development of healthier coping mechanisms. Clients report significant improvements after just a few sessions, often experiencing a decrease in distress and an increase in coping skills. Our experienced therapists at Lighthouse Therapy are committed to creating a safe and supportive virtual environment to guide you through the EMDR process, ensuring you feel comfortable and understood. If you are looking for a proven and effective method to address your mental health concerns, EMDR therapy at Lighthouse Therapy might be the right choice for you.
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Q3: Can anyone have EMDR therapy at Lighthouse Counseling?A: At Lighthouse Therapy, we are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all our clients. While EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is widely accessible to many, it is important to determine if it is the right fit for each individual on a case-by-case basis. EMDR is particularly effective for those dealing with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and certain phobias. During your initial consultation, our experienced therapists will evaluate your specific needs and mental health condition to establish whether EMDR therapy is suitable for you. Our goal is to ensure that every client receives the most appropriate and effective form of therapy, tailored to their unique circumstances. If EMDR is determined to be a good match, our qualified therapists will guide you through the process with care and expertise.
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Q2: How often should I get EMDR therapy at Lighthouse Counseling?A: The frequency of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy sessions at Lighthouse Therapy can vary depending on individual needs and treatment goals. Typically, clients may start with weekly sessions to build momentum and make consistent progress. However, some may benefit from more frequent sessions, while others may find bi-weekly sessions more suitable. Our experienced therapists will assess your specific situation during the initial consultation and recommend a tailored treatment plan to effectively address your unique concerns. At Lighthouse Counseling, our goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment, ensuring that each client receives personalized care to achieve the best therapeutic outcomes.
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Q2: Can we change the schedule if we need to?A: Yes, at Lighthouse Therapy, we understand that life can be unpredictable, and sometimes schedules need to change. We offer flexibility in rescheduling your therapy sessions to ensure that our services remain accessible and convenient for you. If you need to change the schedule, please contact us at least 24 hours in advance of your appointment. Our team will work with you to find a new time that fits your needs. We are committed to providing a supportive and accommodating environment for all our clients, whether you're a child, adolescent, adult, or family seeking our guidance.
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Q1: Can you also do individual therapy during family therapy at Lighthouse Therapy?A: Yes, at Lighthouse Therapy, we understand that family dynamics involve both collective and individual experiences. We offer the flexibility to integrate individual therapy sessions alongside family therapy. This approach allows us to address personal challenges and growth opportunities within the context of the family unit. Individual therapy sessions can provide a safe space for you to explore personal issues in depth, which can then be harmonized with the family's overall therapeutic goals. Our experienced therapists are skilled in balancing these dual aspects to ensure comprehensive support and guidance for each member of the family.
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Q: How often do you recommend scheduling family therapy sessions at Lighthouse Therapy?A: At Lighthouse Therapy, we recognize that each family's needs are unique. However, we generally recommend scheduling family therapy sessions once a week. Regular weekly sessions help maintain continuity, build trust, and ensure steady progress in addressing family dynamics and issues. For some families, sessions may vary based on specific situations and therapeutic goals; therefore, it is important to discuss the frequency with your assigned therapist, who will tailor the recommendations to best support your family's needs. Our commitment is to provide a safe space filled with guidance to help you navigate through challenges effectively.
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Q3: Can we use our insurance for family therapy sessions at Lighthouse Therapy?A: Yes, you can use your insurance for family therapy sessions at Lighthouse Therapy. We understand the importance of making mental health care accessible and affordable, which is why we work with a variety of insurance providers. To confirm if your specific insurance plan covers family therapy sessions with us, we recommend contacting your insurance company directly or reaching out to our administrative team for assistance. They can help clarify your benefits and guide you through the process of using your insurance for our services. At Lighthouse Therapy, we are committed to supporting you and your family's mental health needs by providing a safe and guided therapeutic environment.
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Q1 - How can Lighthouse Counseling help me?At Lighthouse Therapy, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive online counseling services for children, adolescents, adults, and families. Our experienced therapists offer a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your concerns, gain insights, and foster personal growth. We specialize in guiding clients through various challenges, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and family dynamics. Our goal is to empower you with the tools and strategies needed to navigate life's complexities, enhancing your mental well-being and overall quality of life. With flexible online sessions, we ensure that you receive the help you need, whenever and wherever you need it.
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Q3 - Is online teletherapy as effective as in-person sessions?Yes, absolutely. Numerous researches indicates that online teletherapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many individuals. At Lighthouse Therapy, we are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for our clients, whether they are children, adolescents, adults, or families. Our experienced therapists use evidence-based techniques and personalized approaches to meet the unique needs of each client. By leveraging secure and user-friendly technology, we ensure that clients receive the same level of care and guidance as they would in a traditional setting. This means you can benefit from therapy in the comfort and privacy of your own home, while still achieving meaningful progress in your mental health journey.
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Q4 - Can I switch therapists if I'm not comfortable with my current one at Lighthouse Therapy?Certainly, at Lighthouse Therapy, we understand the importance of building a strong, comfortable relationship between you and your therapist. If, for any reason, you feel that your current therapist isn't the right fit, you are welcome to switch to another therapist. Our team of experienced professionals, skilled in working with children, adolescents, adults, and families, is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment. To switch therapists, simply contact our support team, and they will guide you through the process to ensure a seamless transition. Your well-being is our top priority, and we aim to help you find the right match to support your therapeutic journey.
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Q2 - How often are mental health counseling sessions scheduled?At Lighthouse Therapy, our experienced therapists work closely with clients to determine a counseling schedule that best suits their needs. Typically, mental health counseling sessions are scheduled on a weekly basis to ensure consistent support and progress. However, the frequency can vary depending on individual circumstances, therapeutic goals, and mutual agreement between the client and therapist. For some, bi-weekly or monthly sessions may be more appropriate. Our primary goal is to provide flexible and tailored support to children, adolescents, adults, and families, ensuring that every client feels secure and guided throughout their therapeutic journey.
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Can parents or guardians be involved in teen therapy sessions?In most cases, our therapists encourage family involvement to some extent, but it depends on the specific therapy approach and the teenager's preferences. We may also have occasional sessions with parents or guardians to provide updates and guidance.
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Can teenagers switch to in-person therapy if online therapy isn't working for them?Yes, absolutely. If online therapy for teens isn't the right fit, you are free to start the in-person therapy sessions. The therapists at Therapy Lighthouse are trained to adapt their approaches and may have suggestions to improve the online therapy experience before considering a switch.
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Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy for teens?Yes, absolutely. However, the effectiveness depends upon certain factors including: Individual Needs and Preferences Type of Therapy Therapist Competence Privacy and Safety Severity of Issues Parental Involvement Regular evaluation and open communication between the teen, therapist, and any involved caregivers are essential for a successful therapeutic experience. For more details, get in touch with our team .
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Are there age restrictions for teen therapy?Generally, teenagers under the age of 13 and older with parental consent can undergo therapy, whether it's in-person or online. In some cases, mature minors are considered capable of making their own informed decisions, especially if they are over a certain age of around 16 or 17.
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Who can benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?This can benefit people of all ages, from children to adults. It is often used in individual therapy, group therapy, and even self-help formats. It is suitable for those with mild to severe mental health issues. If you are someone who is looking for help to overcome any mental health challenge, consult with our qualified professionals today.
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What happens in a CBT session?In a CBT session, a therapist and the client work together to identify problematic thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The therapist helps the client challenge and reframe negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies.
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Is CBT time-limited or long-term?CBT is typically time-limited and structured. Many CBT interventions are designed to be relatively short-term, often lasting from 8 to 20 sessions. However, the duration may vary based on individual needs and the nature of the problem being addressed. For related queries, reach out to our team now.
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Can CBT be personalized?Yes, absolutely. CBT is highly adaptable and can be personalized to address the unique needs and circumstances of each individual. This personalization is essential for the effectiveness of CBT as a therapeutic approach. It ensures that the treatment aligns with the client's goals and experiences.
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Should both partners attend every session?Ideally, both partners should attend every session to ensure that both perspectives are heard and worked on. However, in some cases, one partner may attend individual therapy alongside couples therapy to address personal issues. For related queries, schedule an appointment with us today.
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When should a couple consider therapy?Couples may consider therapy if they are experiencing communication problems, frequent conflicts, emotional distance, infidelity, or other relationship challenges that they are unable to resolve on their own.
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What happens during a couples counseling session?During a typical session, couples typically discuss their concerns and feelings in a safe and structured environment. The therapist may ask questions, provide insights, and suggest exercises or homework to address specific issues. Throughout the therapy, the therapist will assess the couple's progress toward their goals. Adjustments to the treatment plan may be made as needed.
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How long does couples therapy typically last?The duration varies depending on the complexity of the issues and the progress made. Some couples benefit from a few sessions, while others may continue therapy for several months or longer.
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Is individual therapy only for people with mental health disorders?Not certainly, individual therapy can be beneficial for anyone experiencing emotional distress, seeking personal growth, or facing life challenges. This also addresses other issues including: Anxiety Stress Depression Relationship Problems Grief and Loss Trauma Addiction Personal Growth and development
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Are the individual sessions confidential?Yes, absolutely. Our therapists are legally and ethically bound to protect your privacy. They cannot disclose your personal information without your consent, except in specific circumstances where there may be a risk of harm to yourself or others.
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How often should I attend individual counseling sessions?The frequency of therapy sessions can vary, but many people start with weekly sessions and then gradually reduce the frequency as they make progress. Your therapist will work with you to determine the best schedule. To know more in detail, reach out to our team.
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How long does the session last?A standard counseling session typically lasts anywhere from 45 minutes to one hour. This duration allows for a focused conversation between the therapist and the client while also allowing time for the therapist to document notes and prepare for the next session. The length of a therapy session is something you can discuss and negotiate with your therapist. To know more in detail, reach out to our team.