Psychological Resource Associates
Psychological Resource Associates
What is EMDR? How does it work? Services Available Treatment for Veterans Video Resources FAQ
"EMDR was found to be an efficacious treatment for PTSD."
— Practice Guidelines
The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
Dean
A. Dickerson, Ph.D.
EMDRIA Certified Therapist
EMDRIA Approved Consultant
Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress
EMDR or Adaptive Information Processing is an integration of therapeutic approaches that provides rapid resolution of PTSD. The process elicits the original trauma memory (hypnosis, imagery), which often includes a dyadic relationship (developmental, object relations). The client is asked to identify the affective experience (Gestalt); how the emotion is experienced in the body (somatic, Reichian) and the negative belief (cognitive) associated with the event. Adaptive or defensive strategies (behavioral) are also often identified. Revisiting the targeted memory while simultaneously providing bilateral neurological stimulation results in the acquisition of new information and the reduction of affective arousal (neurological learning and desensitization). Additional information can be found in EMDR as an Integrative Psychological Approach, Experts of Diverse Orientations Explore the Paradigm Prism.
Fourteen published, controlled studies support the efficacy of EMDR, making it one of the most thoroughly researched methods ever used in the treatment of trauma. Most people treated for single trauma find relief from post-trauma emotional symptoms within three or four sessions of EMDR.
After successful treatment with EMDR, affective distress is relieved, negative beliefs are reformulated, and physiological arousal associated with stress is reduced.
"We believe that EMDR induces a fundamental change in brain circuitry
similar to what happens in REM sleep -- that allows the person undergoing
treatment to more effectively process and incorporate traumatic memories
into general association networks in the brain. This helps the individual
integrate and understand the memories within the larger context of his or
her life experience."
— Robert Stickgold, Ph.D.,
Harvard Medical School
EMDR is effective with:
"EMDR quickly opens new windows on reality, allowing people to
see solutions within themselves that they never knew were there. And it’s
a therapy where the client is very much in charge, which can be particularly
meaningful when people are recovering from having their power taken away
by abuse and violation."
—Laura S. Brown, Ph.D.
Past Recipient of the American Psychological Association Award
for Distinguished Professional Contributions to Public Service
***Click here for the EMDRIA.org brochure***
Do you or a loved one have PTSD?
There is no need to suffer. Treatment works.
If you have PTSD—posttraumatic stress disorder—
you don't have to suffer. There are good treatments
that can help.
This booklet describes therapies and
medications that are proven to help people with PTSD.
You'll hear from experts about what treatment is like,
and how it can help you.
Don't let PTSD get in the way of your enjoyment of life,
hurt your relationships, or cause problems for you at
work or school.
Information from: www.ptsd.va.gov
Veterans and PTSD Treatment by the Huffington Post
Here is a 6 minute video that that talks about EMDR and its benefits:
For more information on EMDR please visit: EMDR Institute
For more information on trauma please visit: Trauma Pages
Lee Holden : Qi Gong (We recommend Qi Gong: Flow for Beginners)
QiGong (pronounced "chee gong" and alternatively spelled as "qigong," "qi gong," or "chi kung") is sometimes called “the new yoga” – but the practice dates back thousands of years to ancient China. The word “qi” (or “chi”) means “life force” or "vital energy of the body," and “gong” means accomplishment or skill that is cultivated through steady practice. QiGong is specifically designed to cultivate the body's vital energy, using it to heal and strengthen every system throughout the body. Thus, qi gong means “cultivating energy,” and it involves working with energy to strengthen and cleanse the body.
QiGong's gentle, rhythmic exercises mirror the movements of nature, especially the fluidity of water. Combined with simple breathing techniques, Qi Gong is uniquely suited to relieving stress, boosting the immune system, and increasing the body’s innate healing abilities.
Unlike some yoga or tai chi routines, QiGong “flow” routines can be learned very quickly. They are perfect for people of all ages and fitness levels, and they provide a powerful adjunct to any fitness/health program.
Jon Kabot-Zinn : Mindfulness
Dr. Kabat-Zinn is internationally known as a meditation teacher, author, researcher, and clinician in the fields of mind/body medicine, integrative medicine, lifestyle change, and self-healing. He is an expert in stress reduction, relaxation, and the applications of mindfulness meditation in everyday living to optimize one's capacity to face stress, pain, and illness across the lifespan. This work is now referred to by health professionals as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and is offered in medical centers, hospitals, and clinics around the world.
Emmet Miller : Letting go of Stress
The instruments Dr. Miller offers here are not scalpels and drugs...but words and experiences—images, memories, and emotions. They do not substitute for or replace needed medical or psychological therapy—instead, they enable you to do your part in changing your diet, exercise patterns, thoughts and relationships. His techniques teach you to relax and his presentations inspire you to take charge of your life and realize your full potential. He has shared his insights into Deep Healing on hundreds of television and radio shows. He has appeared in the San Francisco Examiner, Los Angeles Times, Journal, as well as American Health, Prevention, Essence, Women's Day, Woman's World, Yoga Journal, and Shape magazines. His columns have appeared in more than 30 newspapers and magazines.