JC-Hypnosis -

The first session will be dedicated to explaining to you what you can expect with EMDR.

EMDR has the ability to uncover hidden memories and can also provoke strong emotional responses. So it is important for me to explain this to the you as well as explaining the procedure itself.

A full medical history as well as details of the presenting problem is taken. Because of it's ability to engender powerful emotions EMDR is not suitable for everyone. If it is decided that EMDR is not suitable for you thenanother type of therapy will be suggested.

You will be taught how to relax and go into a calm place in your mind. This is important in order to bring down emotions if they become very strong during the session. However you will be encouraged to stay with them if you can. You get to where you want to go faster if you don't keep applying the brakes!

The relaxation technique is also used between sessions for any powerful emotions that might arise. Like all psychotherapeutic techniques EMDR continues to process inbetween sessions and you will take a relaxation CD home with you.

The eye movements (or auditory or tactile stimulii) will be tested for speed and distance.

Two numerical scales will be set up in order to test progress during the therapy.

You will be asked to keep a journal of your feelings and dreams between sessions.

The second session begins the process itself.

There are eight phases of EMDR which includes the explanation and history taking.
During the EMDR procedure itself, the client keeps any disturbing memories in mind together with any emotions and or bodily sensations in multiple brief sets of about 15–30 seconds. If there are no memories the last time their problem caused them distress or simply the emotion or body sensation will work as a focus.

At the same time sets of eye movements (or alternate hand tapping or auditory tones) are initiated. Following each set you will be asked for information regarding any memories, feelings or sensations that arose. The new material then forms the focus for the next set of movements. This is repeated over and over until no new material is uncovered.

You can stop the process at any time, go into your calm place and then resume. You are in control of the process.

Throughout the process progress is assessed using the two sets of scales.