EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a method of psychotherapy that was originated by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., in 1987, with the first research being published in 1989. In our office, we specialize in EMDR, due to its great effectiveness in treating psychological trauma and other forms of emotional difficulty, such as being stuck in fear, anxiety, depression, anger and rage. EMDR is applicable throughout the age span, from early childhood through old age (from age one through 99). It consists of pairing left-right bilateral stimulation with focus on an area of emotional or psychological blockage. For example, a person with PTSD might be asked to think about their trauma(s), while engaging in bilateral eye movements. As the therapy progressed, the emotional distress would fade, and the person would be able to remember the trauma without such intense distress. As this happened, other symptoms would normalize, with nightmares, flashbacks and intrusive thoughts becoming a thing of the past. For persons without identifiable trauma, such as an overly anxious child, the anxiety would become less intense as EMDR was applied. EMDR can be seen as a natural and holistic approach to emotional healing. For additional information on EMDR, please visit the EMDR International Association website at www.emdria.org. In our office, we schedule a one-hour intake appointment where you (the client or caregiver) can provide information about the reasons for seeking therapy. In addition, you can provide pertinent background histories, such as developmental, trauma, work and social histories as needed. We provide information about EMDR in that session, so that you can be fully informed about EMDR or other forms of treatment. Following that first appoinement, we schedule three EMDR sessions (90-minute sessions for adults, or 60-minute sessions for children or adolescents). In those three sessions, we can determine whether EMDR is going to be effective. EMDR is not a form of therapy wher you have to attend for months and wonder if it is going to work. If EMDR is effective, but therapy is not complete at the end of three sessions, it continues until the desired results are achieved. If a person has been multiply traumatized, EMDR can still be effective, but it is likely to take a longer treatment plan than for a singly trauma (just as going to the dentist with ten cavities would take longer than treating only one). We prefer check or cash payment, but provide credit card processing as a convenience to you. Our office does not bill insurance carriers directly. Upon request, we will provide you with a super-bill that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement directly to you. Our fee is $180 per hour ($270 for a 90-minute session). Court testimony is $300 per hour.
