EMDR Therapy
EMDR Treatment serving NYC & NY State
“I’m delighted to offer an approach that is a synthesis of highly effective, evidence-based techniques, which may include: EMDR, CBT, Somatic Experiencing®, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Positive Neuroplasticity, nutrition support and coaching. These elements, when integrated into sessions, are transformative for clients, and in much less time than traditional approaches.”
Transform Your Life With EMDR Therapy
“Trauma compromises our ability to engage with others by replacing patterns of connection with patterns of protection.” – Stephen Porges, The Polyvagal Theory
Are you still struggling after years of talk therapy? Has a traumatic memory or experience(s) changed your life? Do Your lingering symptoms keep you from living the life you desire? If you’ve tried traditional talk therapy and still suffer trauma-related symptoms or blocks, you have other healing options. Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan offers highly-effective EMDR treatment that can transform your life.
You may be struggling with symptoms of anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, depression, chronic sadness, addictions, self-destructive tendencies, dissociation, sleep disturbances, eating disorders, PTSD or Complex-PTSD. Many individuals who have experienced trauma find it difficult to trust, connect or maintain relationships. They feel challenged to set appropriate and necessary boundaries, and feel undeserving of getting their needs met in relationships. Effective EMDR therapy can help you heal these limiting beliefs s
specializing in EMDR Therapy & Trauma Resolution NYC, Virtually
As a result of successful EMDR treatment, your body, emotions, and brain can heal after years of experiencing distress and disconnection. With the help of EMDR Therapy, you may notice even after a few sessions that the feelings and emotions that previously felt too overwhelming and powerful have less hold over you. Typically, successful EMDR therapy leads to improved relationships, as well as improved functioning in many areas of your life.
How is EMDR therapy different from other therapies?
EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue (traditional talk therapy) or completing homework (Cognitive Behavior Therapy) between sessions. EMDR therapy allows the brain to resume its natural healing process. EMDR therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain. For many clients, EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than other psychotherapies.
Who can safely offer EMDR Treatment?
As of now, EMDRIA-approved training is only offered to licensed mental health professionals. Ideally, clinicians trained in EMDR have received EMDRIA-approved supervision as they gain their experience. As an advanced, EMDRIA-approved, level II EMDR Specialist, I am able to offer this effective intervention to alleviate symptoms related to trauma as well as other distressing symptoms that now impact the quality of your personal or professional life. EMDR therapy can be offered as a stand alone therapy, or as an adjunct therapy to your own individual therapy.
What mental health challenges can be successfully treated with EMDR:
EMDR therapy effectively treats small traumas, single incident experiences as well as more impactful traumatic experiences and longstanding developmental traumas that may lead to complex PTSD. Single event traumas may take less time to heal compared to complex. longstanding negative experiences that require more sessions.
Experiencing hypervigilance and an inability to relax or feel at ease
Re-experiencing disturbing memories, flashbacks, nightmares
Avoidance of situations that are activating
Experiencing phobias, anxieties, fears, panic, obsessions
Symptoms of depression, dysphoria, chronic sadness
Feelings of abandonment, childhood neglect and loss
Lack of trust and safety in the world or with others
Terrifying medical trauma or a difficult medical diagnosis
Desire to recover from sexual, physical and emotional abuse or assault
Disturbing experiences in relationships or family of origin difficulties
Self-defeating patterns, self sabotage, chronic poor self-esteem
Symptoms related to accidents, natural disasters, survivor guilt
Experiencing of shame that creates acting out, avoidance and defensive behaviors
Performance problems, public speaking, creative blocks that impact success
Traumatic events that have led to addictive and compulsive behaviors
Persistent negative thoughts, patterns, problem habits and behaviors
Attachment wounds, interpersonal and relationship challenges, barriers to intimacy
Feeling “unlovable,” “unworthy”or “not enough”
Surviving an accident, crime, assault, robbery or rape
Loss or injury of a loved one, injury to self, prolonged grief
Lack of motivation and procrastination that interferes with professional and personal performance
Phase of life transitions and adjustment difficulties such as divorce recovery, childbirth and aging
EMDR is a revolutionary approach that incorporates bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds) to help the brain process and integrate disturbing and upsetting memories. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy heals the pain of disturbing memories, minimizes physiological triggers, and frees you from challenging beliefs, trapped emotions and unwelcome, uncomfortable body sensations. Reprocessing traumatic memories with EMDR creates resiliency and can transform surviving to thriving…
The body’s natural inclination is to heal and return to optimal mental and physical health. When we experience a trauma that has overwhelmed the nervous system, our ability to fully heal is disrupted. This leaves parts of us stuck in the past, and impedes our well-being in the present. EMDR Therapy offers a targeted treatment protocol to help resolve the trauma impact to the nervous system and allow healing to resume. Through a time-limited EMDR intervention, patients can resolve and get relief from a single, or multiple traumas. It may take a few sessions, or many, but healing is possible.
Transcending traumatic or painful experiences is not as simple as changing your perspective. When you attempt to override your emotions, you will experience anxiety, sadness, depression, doubt, fear, self-criticism, disconnect, isolation, shame and much more, leading to a contracted and diminished life. It is believed that suppressed emotions can even make you physically unwell. Perhaps unprocessed, distressing memories from your childhood are interfering with your ability to form and maintain close and intimate relationships. At some point, you may find that you experience performance and creativity blocks or challenges in your career.
Fight, flight, freeze and other trauma responses may be so habitual that you have become accustomed to this way of being. This is your nervous system most of the time.
EMDR therapy is founded on the basis that trauma interferes with our brain’s processing. The theoretical basis for EMDR is called Adaptive Information Processing or AIP. AIP posits that during trauma our brain processes and stores memories incorrectly. The way in which these memories are stored can lead to past memories feeling very real and present. Experiencing related or unrelated stimuli in the present can lead to patients reacting as they did at the time of trauma. The brain and nervous system experiences the current event as if it were the past disturbing event. EMDR therapy uses a technique called bilateral stimulation that aids in the reprocessing of negative experiences with the goal of these memories feeling less disruptive in the here-and-now.
I am licensed to practice EMDR Therapy and Psychotherapy in New York and online, virtual EMDR. I offer EMDR as an adjunctive treatment (in collaboration with your primary therapist), or as part of more comprehensive therapy (integrated into our therapy sessions), or as a stand-alone and short-term treatment.
What happens in an EMDR Therapy session?
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing or EMDR, is a proven, researched therapy approach that demonstrates we can heal from psychological and emotional wounds, limitations, obstacles and blocks. Early sessions are spent gathering history, developing target memories or experiences and ensuring that EMDR treatment is right for you. You will be guided to identify specific negative memories and the related emotions and to explore positive and negative beliefs about yourself. Learning to connect to the body is part of the healing process as you more easily identify your feelings and the bodily sensations connected to those emotions. As we bring it all together, bilateral brain stimulation techniques such as light tapping or eye movements are used to reprocess the painful memories to reduce the negative “charge.” It is thought that EMDR therapy transforms the traumatic memories so they are stored in a different part of the brain, which essentially changes the experience of these memories going forward. As a result of this therapeutic technique, clients feel less activated and disturbed by painful memories in their daily lives. You will then have the opportunity to have sessions to reflect and integrate your sessions. Your EMDR may be complete, or you may realize that you have more that you’d like to process.
Prince Harry uses the “butterfly tap” as bilateral stimulation, which facilitates healing from traumatic experiences in a Virtual EMDR session with his UK-based therapist.
Introduction to EMDR Therapy from EMDR International Association.
EMDR Therapy identifies and addresses experiences that have overwhelmed the brain’s natural coping capacity and resilience, which has led to traumatic symptoms and harmful coping adaptations, thus helping clients reprocess traumatic information leading to a more peaceful and integrated resolution. Negative, painful thoughts and beliefs are replaced with more adaptive and realistic “here and now” perceptions and self-concepts.
Another way to understand EMDR is that of Adaptive Information Processing (AIP). AIP is best described as a rapid cognitive restructuring of the irrational thoughts that occur with the recall of negative memory. EMDR allows the client to have a more adaptive experience to the here and now, which includes reasonable and helpful thoughts, perceptions and considerations related to the event. AIP is what allows the traumatized client who once felt helpless before EMDR to say “I did the best I could and I am now safe” or It is over and I am okay.”
The AIP theory can also be applied to future cognitions that may cause negative reactions, such as performing, giving a speech, work assignments, athletic competitions and more. AIP in these situations allows the client to look to future performances with a realistic perspective on their ability to feel successful.
What follows is a more comprehensive list of problems and concerns that are helped by eMDR therapy…
The studies to date show a high degree of effectiveness with the following conditions:
PTSD
Childhood trauma or traumatic memories
Depression
Anxiety or panic attacks
Anger and rage problems
Intense anxiety, phobias and fears (fear of flying, bridges, tunnels)
Social anxiety
Fear of being alone or abandoned
Feeling unlovable
Unrealistic guilt and shame
Addictions and smoking cessation
Compulsions and habit control
OCD
Chemically dependent clients
Depression
Dissociation, DID
Managing anger and rage problems
Insomnia and sleep disorders, relaxation difficulties
Medical/surgical/diagnosis trauma
Attachment disorders
Eating disorders (Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder) and body image issues
Performance and test anxiety
Sexual abuse and/or physical abuse
Surviving an assault, robbery or rape
Witnessing violence, victim of a crime
Loss or injury of a loved one, injury to self
Childhood trauma, abuse or traumatic memories
Surviving an accident
Low self-esteem
Motivation and procrastination
Unrealistic feelings of guilt and shame
911 victims, police officers, firemen, rescue workers with violent memories
Difficulties with trust
Relationship problems and interpersonal problems
Life transitions such as divorce recovery, childbirth and aging
Helpful Information About The Effectiveness Of NYC EMDR Treatment…
Is EMDR An evidence-based, backed by research Trauma Treatment?
Compared to traditional forms of therapy such as CBT, EMDR has proven to be more effective as a healing modality because it addresses the root cause of distressful symptoms. Clients utilizing EMDR appear to have less chance of their problems returning in the future after treatment is complete, because healing is believed to take place at the level of the nervous system. EMDR has been broadly studied and has been proven to be effective by extensive research.
EMDR is now accepted as a treatment of choice by trauma organizations and mental health organizations around the world. EMDR has been approved as an effective treatment for PTSD by the respected American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association, The Department of Defense and the Veteran's Administration, The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, The World Health Organization, and more. For more information about EMDR you can visit the EMDR Institute.
EMDR is highly-researched, and has the validation of the American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the Department of Defense and the Veteran’s Administration, as it relates to treatments for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. People who have participated in performance enhancement therapy such as competitive athletes and performers often report that they are more self-confident and that unconscious blocks to performance are greatly reduced.
Virtual, Remote EMDR Therapy Is Effective & Safe
Are Virtual EMDR Therapy sessions possible?
Yes, it is possible to do EMDR therapy and somatic experiencing online in some circumstances with stable and healthier clients. In many situations, and for high-functioning clients, EMDR therapy can be done online using any number of online communication tools such skype, facetime, or a HIPPA-compliant platform. EMDR therapy works by using bilateral stimulation of the brain, either through eye movements or tapping, while focusing on negative beliefs, experiences and memories.
EMDR therapy conducted online is done using guided tapping and follows the exact same process and protocols as an in-person EMDR therapy. During an initial consultation, I am able to assess the nature of the trauma(s), the impact on functioning, and the ego strength of potential clients for whom online EMDR may be an option. Somatic experiencing techniques can be a stand alone treatment or woven into EMDR sessions.
During the pandemic, we discovered that EMDR can successfully be done remotely, online. Of course, this is not typically ideal for individuals with C-PTSD or severe dissociation. If you feel your situation is complex, a consultation can help us determine what’s best for you and your healing needs. EMDR Therapy is available to New Yorkers, and is reimbursable by your out-of-network insurance. You can also find an EMDR therapist near you by visiting Psychology Today and adding your location to the search bar.
EMDR Therapy To Heal Addictive States
(Feeling State Addiction Protocol, FSAP)
Can EMDR successfully treat addictions?
For years the addiction field has held that addictions were caused by genetics. We now know that, while the gene may be passed from parent to child, the expression of a gene can be influenced by negative and positive environmental factors. The Feeling State Addiction Protocol or FSAP developed by Dr Robert Miller works from the theory that addictions and compulsions develop in the moment an individual experiences an “intensely desired positive feeling while engaging in a specific behavior.” The intense positive feelings that are experienced in that moment are powerful, and when combined with the individual's unique history and emotional vulnerability, the positive "feeling state" (e.g. "I'm okay," "I am loved," or "I'm a winner") becomes neurologically wired with the problem behavior. As a result, the individual will compulsively seek to recreate the gratifying "feeling state" by engaging in the behavior (e.g. gambling, sex addiction, shopping, shop-lifting, exhibitionism, voyeurism, substance use, overeating or restricting), while compromising healthy psychological development.
When successful, the Feeling State Addiction Protocol breaks this neurological welding, similar to the way standard EMDR frees the “stuck” traumatic memory at the level of the nervous system. As the positive feeling state and the behavior becomes "de-linked," individuals find that their urges to engage in the addictive and compulsive behaviors diminish and may even disappear. As a result, the individual's vulnerability and original trauma creates discomfort and can no longer be numbed with the familiar addictive and compulsive behaviors. A return to the standard EMDR Protocol can then be used to resolve the painful experiences that led to the "need" that are at the root cause of many addictions.
Addiction and examples of co-occurring psychiatric conditions:
Depression
Panic and anxiety disorders
Attention deficit disorder ADD
Bipolar disorder
Borderline personality disorder BPD
Narcissistic Personality Disorder NPD
Eating disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD
Obsessive compulsive disorder OCD
Substance abuse or dependence
Praise For EMDR Treatment
What’s being said about EMDR:
"EMDR therapy was determined to be an effective treatment of trauma." American Psychiatric Association (2004). Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Acute Stress Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Acute Stress Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association Practice Guidelines.
"EMDR therapy was placed in the "A" category as “strongly recommended” for the treatment of trauma." Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense (2004). VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Post-Traumatic Stress. Washington, DC
EMDR is a therapy is listed in the new Department of Veterans Affairs & Department of Defense Practice Guidelines "A" category as "highly recommended" for the treatment of trauma.
It has received a high level of recommendation by the American Psychiatric Association and by the mental health departments of Israel, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, France, Sweden and more. For a full listing visit http://www.EMDRHAP.org/researchandresources.htm to learn more.
EMDR is also listed as an effective form of therapy, backed by research, on a new National Institute of Mental Health sponsored website: Check under "Adult MH Therapist for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder."
Brainspotting
“Brainspotting Is Based On The Profound Attunement Of The Therapist With The Patient, Finding A Somatic Cue And Extinguishing It By Down-Regulating The Amygdala. It Isn’t Just PNS (Parasympathetic Nervous System) Activation That Is Facilitated, It Is Homeostasis.”
— ROBERT SCAER, MD, “THE TRAUMA SPECTRUM”
EMDR therapy & Brainspotting
Brainspotting was discovered by David Grand, Ph.D. in 2003. Since then, Brainspotting has developed into an in-depth therapeutic process that can be integrated with psychotherapy sessions in either individual or couples therapy. Dr. Grand believes that “Brainspotting taps into the body’s natural self-scanning and self-healing abilities”.
Brainspotting therapy is a new and powerful method of healing developed from EMDR. Brainspotting as a technique is used in psychotherapy and trauma resolution therapy to help release depression, fear, anxiety, grief, loss, phobias and addictions. It is possible to release the trauma or traumatic event from either a distressed or calm place in the body. The power of BSP is that one does not necessarily have to relive the traumatic event at the same level of intensity as the original trauma. BSP is especially helpful for pre-verbal traumas, that is, trauma that occurred before the child had language to organize the experience. Because of this, it is possible to resolve the trauma in a safe and contained manner. Trauma and stress can often overwhelm the nervous system. With the support of an experienced EMDR and Brainspotting therapist, BSP helps the client discharge the trauma and calm the nervous system. BSP helps clients identify, process, and release core neurophysiological sources of emotional or physical pain, trauma, dissociation and a variety of other challenging psychiatric and somatic symptoms.
Brainspotting (BSP) functions as a neurobiological tool to support the therapeutic relationship in which the therapist’s mature, nurturing presence and ability to engage the client creates a healing space. It is theorized that Brainspotting, like EMDR, triggers the body’s innate self-scanning capacity to process and release focused areas (systems) which are in a maladaptive (frozen primitive survival modes). This may also explain the ability of Brainspotting to often reduce and eliminate body pain and tension associated with chronic physical conditions.
Generally, the brainspot is located by finding an eye position where the emotion is most strongly felt. A brainspot can also be located from the calmest place in the body. Pinpointing the brainspot is done through noticing an increase in reflexive eye or body movements, such as blinking, swallowing, yawning, head or body twitches. Neurologists state that the location of the brainspot “is related to the area or region of the patient’s experience or perception of the traumatic event and represents procedural memory for that somatic experience”.
Brainspotting can be accompanied by the use of biolateral sounds. Biolateral sounds can be music, tones or even nature sounds that move from ear to ear alternately in order to activate each hemisphere of the brain. Dr. Grand developed a series of biolateral CDs that can be used during a Brainspotting session. They were initially developed for use with EMDR. These sounds help to calm the sympathetic nervous system (which is the fight or flight response), and engage the calmer parasympathetic nervous system.
Brainspotting is unique from other therapeutic techniques in that it is being used not only in trauma and healing work, but also in the areas of performance enhancement and sports psychology. Therapists are utilizing BSP with professional athletes, actors, writers, musicians, as well as with clients who experience stress during public speaking. Meditation practices can also be enhanced through the use of Brainspotting.
David Grand, PhD, the developer of Brainspotting, is an internationally recognized trauma expert. He has devoted his life to advancing, expanding, and communicating about state-of-the-art tools available for healing trauma and enhancing performance. He is the author of Emotional Healing at Warp speed: the Power of EMDR and trains health care professionals around the US, Europe, South America and the Middle East
EMDR therapy & somatic experiencing
“All Successful Healing Methods Help People Establish A Connection To Their Body. Those Methods That Do Not Help People Connect To Their Body Have Limited, If Any, Success.” — PETER LEVINE, PHD
Somatic Experiencing is a form of therapy aimed at relieving and resolving the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental and physical trauma-related health problems by focusing on the client’s perceived body sensations (somatic experiences). It was introduced in Dr. Peter Levine's 1997 book "Waking the Tiger." In it, he discusses at length his observations of animals in the wild, and how they deal with and recover from life-threatening situations. He concludes that their behavior gives us "an insight into the biological healing process" (p.98), and that "the key to healing traumatic symptoms in humans lies in our being able to mirror the fluid adaption of wild animals" (p.17-18) as they avoid traumatization in reacting to life-threatening situations. The theory postulates that the symptoms of trauma are the effect of a dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). It further postulates that the ANS has an inherent capacity to self-regulate that is undermined by trauma, and that the inherent capacity to self-regulate can be restored by the procedures of Somatic Experiencing or SE.
The procedure, which is normally done in a face-to-face session similar to psychotherapy, involves a client tracking his or her own "felt-sense" experience. SE is considered by its practitioners to be effective for Shock Trauma in the short term (typically one to six sessions). It is also considered effective for Developmental Trauma as an adjunct to more conventional psychotherapy that may span years. Somatic Experiencing is very effective when combined with EMDR sessions and traditional talk therapy or psychotherapy.
Somatic Experiencing attempts to promote awareness and release of physical tension that proponents believe is stored and remains in the body in the aftermath of trauma. This occurs when the survival responses (which can take the form of orienting, fight, flight or freeze) of the ANS are aroused, but are not fully discharged after the traumatic situation has passed. The process involves a guided exploration of the nature and extent of the physical dysregulation that is harbored in the body as a result of trauma. Another notion is that the client's experience should be "pendulated." "Pendulation" refers to the movement between regulation and dysregulation. The client is helped to move to a state where he or she is believed to be somewhat dysregulated (i.e. aroused, distressed or frozen) and then helped to return to a state of regulation (loosely defined as not aroused or frozen). "Resources" are defined as anything that helps the client's autonomic nervous system return to a regulated state. In the face of arousal, "discharge" is facilitated to allow the client's body to return to a regulated state. Through this process the client's inherent capacity to self-regulate is believed to be restored.
Somatic Experiencing is considered by its practitioners to be useful for two broad categories of trauma: shock trauma and developmental trauma. Shock trauma is loosely defined as a single-episode traumatic event such as an accident, natural disaster, battlefield incident, etc. Developmental trauma refers to various kinds of psychological damage that occur during child development, such as: chronic abuse; insufficient attention and neglect from the primary caregivers; insufficient nurturing relationship with the parent.
The history of EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro. She made the chance observation that eye movements can reduce the intensity of the disturbing thoughts when she noticed her own stress reactions diminished when her eyes swept back and forth as she walked through a park one day. EMDR involves recalling a stressful past event and “reprogramming” the memory in the light of a positive, self-chosen belief, while using rapid eye movements to facilitate the process. Theories as to why EMDR works are still evolving, but many people have found EMDR to be extremely beneficial.
8 phases of treatment
The amount of time the complete treatment will take depends upon the history of the client. Complete treatment of the targets involves a three pronged protocol (1-past memories, 2-present disturbance, 3-future actions), and are needed to alleviate the symptoms and address the complete clinical picture. The goal of EMDR therapy is to process completely the experiences that are causing problems, and to include new ones that are needed for full health. "Processing" does not mean talking about it. "Processing" means setting up a learning state that will allow experiences that are causing problems to be "digested" and stored appropriately in your brain. That means that what is useful to you from an experience will be learned, and stored with appropriate emotions in your brain, and be able to guide you in positive ways in the future. The inappropriate emotions, beliefs, and body sensations will be discarded. Negative emotions, feelings and behaviors are generally caused by unresolved earlier experiences that are pushing you in the wrong directions. The goal of EMDR therapy is to leave you with the emotions, understanding, and perspectives that will lead to healthy and useful behaviors and interactions.
Phase 1: History and Treatment Planning
Generally takes 1-2 sessions at the beginning of therapy, and can continue throughout the therapy, especially if new problems are revealed. In the first phase of EMDR treatment, the therapist takes a thorough history of the client and develops a treatment plan. This phase will include a discussion of the specific problem that has brought him into therapy, his behaviors stemming from that problem, and his symptoms. With this information, the therapist will develop a treatment plan that defines the specific targets on which to use EMDR. These targets include the event(s) from the past that created the problem, the present situations that cause distress, and the key skills or behaviors the client needs to learn for his future well-being. One of the unusual features of EMDR is that the person seeking treatment does not have to discuss any of his disturbing memories in detail.
Phase 2: Preparation
For most clients this will take only 1-3 sessions. For others, with a very traumatic background, or with certain diagnoses, a longer time may be necessary to create a sense of safety. Basically, your clinician will teach you some specific techniques so you can rapidly deal with any emotional disturbance that may arise. If you can do that, you are generally able to proceed to the next phase. One of the primary goals of the preparation phase is to establish a relationship of trust between the client and the therapist. During the Preparation Phase, the clinician will explain the theory of EMDR, how it is done, and what the person can expect during and after treatment. Finally, the clinician will teach the client a variety of relaxation techniques for calming himself/herself in the face of any emotional disturbance that may arise during or after a session. Learning these tools is important for everyone and especially and EMDR client. One goal of EMDR therapy is to make sure that the client learns self care, self soothing techniques and relaxation.
Phase 3: Assessment
Used to access each target in a controlled and standardized way so it can be effectively processed. Processing does not mean talking about it. The therapist identifies the aspects of the target to be processed. The first step is for the person to select a specific picture or scene from the target event (which was identified during Phase One) that best represents the memory. Then the client chooses a statement that expresses a negative self-belief associated with the event. Even if he intellectually knows that the statement is false. These negative beliefs are actually verbalizations of the disturbing emotions that still exist. Common negative cognitions are "I am helpless," " I am worthless," " I am unlovable," " I am dirty," " I am bad," etc. The client then picks a positive self-statement that he would rather believe. This statement should incorporate an internal sense of control such as "I am worthwhile/ lovable/ a good person/ in control" or "I can succeed." "I am in danger" can be considered a negative cognition, because the fear is inappropriate - it is locked in the nervous system, but the danger is actually past. The client will then be asked to rate the cognitions as well as identify any body sensations associated with these cognitions.
Reprocessing
For a single trauma reprocessing is generally accomplished within 3 sessions. If it takes longer, you should see some improvement within that amount of time. Phases One through Three lay the groundwork for the comprehensive treatment and reprocessing of the specific targeted events. Although the eye movements (or taps, or tones) are used during the following three phases, they are only one component of a complex therapy. The use of the step-by-step eight-phase approach allows the experienced, trained EMDR clinician to maximize the treatment effects for the client in a logical and standardized fashion. It also allows both the client and the clinician to monitor the progress during every treatment session.
Phase 4: Desensitization
This phase focuses on the client's disturbing emotions and sensations as they are measured by the SUDs rating. This phase deals with all of the person's responses (including other memories, insights and associations that may arise) as the targeted event changes and its disturbing elements are resolved. This phase gives the opportunity to identify and resolve similar events that may have occurred and are associated with the target. During desensitization, the therapist leads the person in sets of eye movement (or other forms of stimulation) with appropriate shifts and changes of focus until his SUD-scale levels are reduced to zero (or 1 or 2 if this is more appropriate). Starting with the main target, the different associations to the memory are followed. For instance, a person may start with a horrific event and soon have other associations to it. The clinician will guide the client to a complete resolution of the target. Examples of sessions and a three-session transcript of a complete treatment can be found in F. Shapiro & M.S. Forrest (2004) EMDR. New York: Basic Books.
Phase 5: Installation
The goal is to concentrate on and increase the strength of the positive belief that the person has identified to replace his original negative belief. For example, the client might begin with a mental image of being beaten up by his father and a negative belief of "I am powerless." During the Desensitization Phase he will have reprocessed the terror of that childhood event and fully realized that as an adult he now has strength and choices he didn't have when he was young. During this fifth phase of treatment, his positive cognition, "I am now in control," will be strengthened and installed. How deeply the person believes his positive cognition is then measured using the Validity of Cognition (VOC) scale. The goal is for the person to accept the full truth of his positive self-statement at a level of 7 (completely true). Fortunately, just as EMDR cannot make anyone shed appropriate negative feelings, it cannot make the person believe anything positive that is not appropriate either. So if the person is aware that he actually needs to learn some new skill, such as self-defense training, in order to be truly in control of the situation, the validity of his positive belief will rise only to the corresponding level, such as a 5 or 6 on the VOC scale.
Phase 6: Body scan
After the positive cognition has been strengthened and installed, the therapist will ask the person to bring the original target event to mind and see if he notices any residual tension in his body. If so, these physical sensations are then targeted for reprocessing. Evaluations of thousands of EMDR sessions indicate that there is a physical response to unresolved thoughts. This finding has been supported by independent studies of memory indicating that when a person is negatively affected by trauma, information about the traumatic event is stored in motoric (or body systems) memory, rather than narrative memory, and retains the negative emotions and physical sensations of the original event. When that information is processed, however, it can then move to narrative (or verbalizable) memory and the body sensations and negative feelings associated with it disappear. Therefore, an EMDR session is not considered successful until the client can bring up the original target without feeling any body tension. Positive self-beliefs are important, but they have to be believed on more than just an intellectual level.
Phase 7: Closure
Ends every treatment session The Closure ensures that the person leaves at the end of each session feeling better than at the beginning. If the processing of the traumatic target event is not complete in a single session, the therapist will assist the person in using a variety of self-calming techniques in order to regain a sense of equilibrium. Throughout the EMDR session, the client has been in control (for instance, he is instructed that it is okay to raise his hand in the "stop" gesture at anytime) and it is important that the client continue to feel in control outside the therapist's office. He is also briefed on what to expect between sessions (some processing may continue, some new material may arise), how to use a journal to record these experiences, and which techniques he might use on his own to help him feel more calm.
Phase 8: Reevaluation
Opens every new session At the beginning of subsequent sessions, the therapist checks to make sure that the positive results (low SUDs, high VOC, no body tension) have been maintained, identifies any new areas that need treatment, and continues reprocessing the additional targets. The Reevaluation Phase guides the clinician through the treatment plans that are needed in order to deal with the client? s problems. As with any form of good therapy, the Reevaluation Phase is vital in order to determine the success of the treatment over time. Although clients may feel relief almost immediately with EMDR, it is as important to complete the eight phases of treatment.
Past, Present and Future
Although EMDR may produce results more rapidly than previous forms of therapy, speed is not the issue and it is important to remember that every client has different needs. For instance, one client may take weeks to establish sufficient feelings of trust (Phase Two), while another may proceed quickly through the first six phases of treatment only to reveal, then, something even more important that needs treatment. Also, treatment is not complete until EMDR therapy has focused on the past memories that are contributing to the problem, the present situations that are disturbing, and what skills the client may need for the future.
Above excerpt from: F. Shapiro & M.S. Forrest (2004) EMDR: The Breakthrough Therapy for Anxiety, Stress and Trauma. New York: BasicBooks.
Books about EMDR
Calm and Confident: Overcome Stress and Anxiety With EMDR -Mark Grant. Two guided visualizations, soothing music, and EMDR combine to help listeners relax and feel more confident about dealing with stress and anxiety-producing situations. A instruction booklet included.
EMDR: The Breakthrough Therapy for Overcoming Anxiety, Stress, and Trauma -Francine Shapiro, & Margot Silk-Forrest. EMDR explained and includes many case histories.
EMDR: Transforming Trauma - Laurel Parnell. Basic EMDR information for the general public as well as psychotherapists. Dr.Parnell writes from a transpersonal perspective about her experiences with EMDR.
Small Wonders: Healing Childhood Trauma with EMDR - Joan Lovett, M.D. Collection of stories about children, adolescents and adults who have puzzling symptoms and anxiety. It offers therapists who treat children and do inner child work, a unique look at the EMDR process and valuable clinical histories. EMDR information is explained in a easily understandable way for clients. She is adept at integrating EMDR into multidimensional therapeutic contexts.
Helpful Books for EMDR Clinicians:
Finding the Energy to Heal: How EMDR, Hypnosis, TFT, Imagery, and Body-Focused Therapy Can Help Resolve Health Problems - Maggie Phillips. An excellent book for EMDR practitioners. The author explains concepts like positive image installation, positive target image, conflict free image, resource interweave, ego state therapy during EMDR without hypnosis, re-nurturing interweaves, developmental learning interweaves, concepts and procedures related to the safe place and safe place image, temporal resource interweaves, and many concepts and resources that can be useful to the EMDR clinician.
EMDR in the Treatment of Adults Abused as Children - Laurel Parnell, Ph.D
A Therapist's Guide to EMDR: Tools and Techniques for Successful Treatment - Laurel Parnell, PhD.
EMDR and Psychotherapy Integration: Theoretical and Clinical Suggestions With Focus on Traumatic Stress - Lipke, H. Lipke integrates EMDR practice with behavioral, dynamic, and humanistic psychotherapy.
EMDR Solutions: Pathways to Healing - Robin Shapiro
EMDR Solutions II: For Depression, Eating Disorders, Performance, and More - Robin Shapiro
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures - Francine Shapiro. Theoretical conceptualization of EMDR is outlined by Dr. Shapiro. Most of the information presented at the Level I and II EMDR trainings.
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing EMDR) in Child and Adolescent Therapy - Ricky A. Greenwald, PsyD.
Extending EMDR: A Casebook of Innovative Applications - Philip Mansfield.
Healing the Divided Self: Clinical and Ericksonian Hypnotherapy for Post-Traumatic and Dissociative Conditions - Maggie Phillips & Claire Frederick. This book doesn't discuss EMDR, specifically but it does discusses Ego State Therapy as well as dissociation, hypnosis, and other relevant topics to EMDR Therapists.
Pain Control With EMDR - Mark Grant. Designed to minimize all kinds of pain, including chronic, postoperative, and migraine, the cassette and booklet contain two visualizations of pain-relieving imagery. (audio cassette)
Trauma in the Lives of Children: Crisis and Stress Management Techniques for Teachers
Counselors, and Student Service Professionals - Kendall Johnson. This book is for the professionals who treat children and adolescents. The second edition includes information about the advances in the understanding of memory and Post-traumatic stress in children. Includes a chapter on EMDR therapy.
Transforming Trauma: EMDR: The Revolutionary New Therapy for Freeing the Mind, Clearing the Body, and Opening the Heart - Laurel Parnell, Ph.D. Dr. Parnell takes the reader into her own experience as a EMDR therapist and her clients abuse histories sharing how traumatic events frozen in time are released by using EMDR method.
Through the Eyes of a Child: EMDR with Children - Robert H. Tinker, Sandy A. Wilson, Robbie Dutton, Sandra D. Wilson. This books shows how EMDR can be successfully applied to helping children over come childhood trauma. The EMDR protocol is modified so it can be applied to children as young as two years old. There are many case examples including, phobias, auto accidents, breavement, ADHD, anxiety, depression and reactive attachment disorders and eating disorders.
Neurobiology & Attachment Books
Affect Regulation and the Origin of the Self: The Neurobiology of Emotional Development - Allan N. Schore
The Developing Mind: Toward a Neurobiology of Interpersonal Experience - Daniel Siegel Skills Training Manual for Treating Borderline Personality Disorder - Marsha M. Linehan. DBT solutions and support for psychotherapists working with clients diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder
HOLISTIC PSYCHOTHERAPY & WELLNESS NYC
Philosophy
For nearly twenty years, this holistically-oriented NYC Psychotherapy & Wellness Practice has blended what I’ve found to be the most effective practices in psychology, neurobiology, attachment, alternative practices, nutrition, coaching and mind-body medicine working with individuals and couples. As a holistic psychotherapist, I believe it’s important to address the root cause of emotional and psychological suffering. It’s important to know that we all make the most therapeutic progress in a compassionate and non-judgmental environment. I make every effort to ensure patient comfort and ease. Countless studies have shown that finding the right "fit" with a therapist is more important than the technique that is used. As a trauma-trained therapist I am influenced by humanist and existential philosophy, relational theory, attachment theory, psychoanalytic concepts, mindfulness, and somatic, mind and body psychology. My couple and marriage counseling work is influenced by Gottman Method, Internal Family Systems and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). As neuroscience now shows us, the body and mind are inextricably linked—my 20+ years of experience with mindfulness, yoga therapy, and meditation greatly influence my work as a mental health provider. A Holistic and comprehensive therapy model ensures that you thrive in the many aspects of your life—including your relationship with your self and others. You will enjoy a more satisfying, rewarding, and joyful life, no matter your struggles, challenges, or diagnoses. I enjoy continuing education, and I’ve received extensive training and certification in a range of evidence-based and cutting-edge approaches to offer you this holistic model of care. Together, we work with practices designed to create an environment that supports optimal physical and mental health wellbeing. Lasting change and transformation is possible when given the right tools to thrive.
Training
Somatic Experiencing® International (in progress)
Eating Disorders, Compulsions & Addictions (EDCAS) Certification
William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis & Psychology
EMDR Advanced Level EMDR Practitioner - Laurel Parnell PhD
Brainspotting - Lisa Schwarz, MEd
Positive Neuroplasticity Training Certification - Rick Hanson PhD
Nutrition and Integrative Medicine for Mental Health - Leslie Korn PhD
IFS Immersion: Integrating Internal Family Systems Across Clinical Applications - Frank Anderson, PhD
Dialectical Behavior Therapy - Behavior Tech Institute
Advanced CBT Certification - New York University
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Certification - New York University
Advanced Clinical Practice Certification - New York University
Clinical Approaches to the Addictions - Certification New York University
Clinical Practice with Adolescents - Certification New York University
Mindful Self-Compassion Training - Christopher K. Germer, PhD & Kristen Neff PhD
Executive Life Coaching - New York University
Institute for Life Coach Training
Urban Zen Integrative Therapy Training Program
Institute For Integrative Nutrition
Additional Professional Training: Gottman Institute for Couples, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Hypnosis for Trauma & PTSD, Focusing Institute, Whole Body Focusing with Glenn Fleisch, Ph.D
Ongoing workshops: Ester Perel, Bessel van der Kolk, MD, Dan Siegel, MD, Peter Levine, Ph.D, Gabor Mate, MD, Richard Schwartz, PhD, Sue Johnson, IFS, Somatic Experiencing, Trauma-Focused Treatment, Yoga Therapy, Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy
Expertise
Depression (major, postpartum depression, SAD, bipolar disorder, atypical depression, dysthymia, situational depression, chronic sadness)
Anxiety (panic disorder, generalized anxiety, phobias, social anxiety, PTSD, fear, worry, insomnia, emotional regulation), stress management, insomnia
Women’s hormonal health, perimenopause and menopause mental health assessment/coaching, chronic pain
Trauma resolution and PTSD therapy
Crisis counseling, life-challenges, transitions and overwhelm
Obstacles, blocking beliefs and feeling “stuck” in your life
Dysfunctional relationship dynamics and patterns in professional and personal relationships, communication difficulties, divorce, separation
Fear of success and fear of failure, harshly critical of oneself and others
Spiritual or existential concerns, shadow work, life purpose, energetic blocks, boundary work
Difficulties with work and life balance
Addictions, behavioral addictions, substance abuse, alcoholism and compulsions
Performance blocks, perfectionism, self-blame, negative self-image and self-sabotage
Feeling unworthy, undeserving, “not enough”, personal empowerment, identification of needs and trouble saying “no”
Compliance, accommodation, conflict avoidance, communication difficulties and impasses
Narcissistic abuse identification and recovery
Empath and highly sensitive person (HSP) coaching
Codependency, family conflict resolution, submissiveness and recovery from family enmeshment, ACOA adult children of alcoholics
Grief, loss and bereavement
Recovery and post-rehab support (for individuals in all stages of recovery from addictions, alcohol, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, pre-rehab, post-rehab, residential step-down support, wellness planning, new habit maintenance and self-care)
EMDR Therapy, Trauma Resolution, Unblocking & Manifesting
Celebrity mental health expertise and high-profile, VIP clients, therapy for entrepreneurs, executives, creatives, medical professionals
Modalities
Psychoanalytic, Relational & Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Attachment-Focused Couple Therapy (traditional, non-traditional, alternative lifestyle couples)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT Skills
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Consultation
Advanced level EMDR Therapy, Parts Therapy, Integrated Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Couple Therapy (Traditional, Non Traditional Couples)
Sexual Counseling (Traditional & Alternative Lifestyle)
Somatic Psychotherapy
Positive Psychology, Positive Neuroplasticity Coaching
Nutrition & Integrative Medicine For Mental Health
Transformational & Wellness Coaching
Urban Zen Integrative Therapy, Reiki, Energy Medicine
Nutrition & Integrative Medicine For Mental Health, Nutritional Amino Acid Protocols (using precursor amino acids, fatty acids, herbal medicine, supplement recommendations for mood, anxiety, ADHD, addictions, cravings, brain fog, PTSD, and more)
Clinical Hypnosis
Transform
If traditional “talk” therapy has not been enough to resolve your distressing symptoms, it might be time to try a different model of care. I’ve trained in many modalities, but I find myself returning to EMDR again and again. EMDR Therapy changed my practice years ago because it works and it changes lives. It is the one treatment method that is consistently powerful and transformative for my patients, especially when other highly-effective therapies such as IFS, CBT and Somatic Experiencing are integrated into sessions. Therapy is highly-individualized, and depending on your unique needs, chosen therapy modalities may include: EMDR, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, CBT, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness and Somatic Experiencing®. I completed EMDRIA-approved EMDR advanced Levels I & II training and supervision many years ago and have used it in my New York City psychotherapy private practice consistently and with excellent results.
EMDR therapy is highly-effective at getting to the root cause of underlying beliefs and blocks that cause many to not benefit from traditional therapy or life coaching. EMDR treatment can elegantly help you transform surviving into thriving so you can lead a life without disruptive symptoms. Reprocessing difficult, disturbing or traumatic memories with EMDR leads to enhanced resiliency and vitality in the nervous system. EMDR treatment is an extensively researched and evidence-based method to help people recover from distressing life experiences, trauma, anxiety, panic, phobias, accidents, medical trauma and much more. EMDR is not just for trauma, it is also an excellent technique to enhance performance for athletes and creatives, or work and professional endeavors. It is especially helpful for clients who have worked hard in therapy or coaching, and find themselves wrestling with the same obstacles and patterns that initially led them to find a therapist or coach. We learned during the pandemic that EMDR can be offered to many patients virtually. Virtual EMDR is an effective and powerful tool to add to your therapy healing journey, as an adjunct to your existing therapy or as a stand-alone solution. LEARN MORE ABOUT EMDR
Teletherapy
faqs about online therapy in nYC: how does remote therapy/video therapy work?
While the technology for telemedicine has been available for decades, the pandemic made virtual therapy a necessity. Never did we imagine that so many individuals would benefit from online virtual therapy, but they did. Like many NYC therapists, I’ve been conducting virtual sessions for some time now, so I’m quite comfortable working with technology. Teletherapy is not a good fit for every person seeking counseling, and many simply prefer to conduct psychotherapy sessions in-person.
How does Online therapy work?
This New York City holistic psychotherapy and wellness practice understands that busy New Yorkers can’t always take time out of their day or week to commute to NYC therapy suites. Virtual therapy, as well as telephone therapy, is a modern option that has become the preferred way to conduct therapy and counseling for many, especially those who work or travel, couples with young children and different schedules, young adults, college students and expats. Online sessions make therapy easier for individuals struggling with social anxiety, agoraphobia, chronic illness, physical disabilities and those who reside in various parts of New York. After scheduling your online virtual session, I’ll send you a session link from my secure, HIPPA-compliant platform SimplePractice. You click on the link to my online waiting room and I admit you to my private virtual therapy office. It’s up to you to create an emotionally safe space in your home or office for our conversations. All you need is robust access to the internet. You can use your computer, IOS/Android phone, iPad, or any other tablet-enabled device. Most laptops have a built in videocam and mic, which makes it very easy.
What kind of therapy is offered virtually?
Online sessions are treated the same way as face-to-face sessions, using the same evidence-based therapy modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), trauma therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, somatic psychotherapy, life coaching, wellness coaching and stress management. In fact, we’ve learned that remote EMDR can be just as effective for trauma resolution and other concerns as in-person EMDR. Of course, not everyone or every situation should be treated remotely, therefore, it’s important to reach out to potential therapists to determine if your situation is appropriate for virtual therapy. If you feel hesitant about discussing issues over video, you can even turn your webcam off, so that you can see your therapist but not be seen. Research now demonstrates that therapy sessions conduced by telehealth are just as effective as face to face therapy. Read the research.
Who can benefit from virtual therapy?
Just about anyone can enjoy private, confidential and convenient access to high-quality therapy. The decision to seek therapy with a highly-experienced psychotherapist can help you have healthier relationships, gain new perspectives, reach your goals and remain resilient during stressful and challenging times. Therapy can help you feel less alone with your problems, as well as feel supported as you work to improve your circumstances. Life in New York City offers a unique set of challenges. A fast-paced lifestyle and hectic schedules lead to high levels of stress and little time for rejuvenation and restoration of the nervous system. If you are experiencing feelings of anxiety and depression, loneliness, loss or are struggling with substance use or unresolved trauma PTSD, you are not alone. Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan offers highly-effective, evidence-based counseling and therapy practices, as well as an integrative psychotherapy philosophy that incorporates a range of helpful, healing strategies, individualized to meet your unique needs. Because I am a licensed psychotherapist in New York, I can see you whether you live in the NYC metro area or anywhere in the state. You have many modern options to help you get the therapy you need, including BetterHelp, TalkSpace, and of course, all the licensed psychotherapists and psychologists on Psychology Today who continue to offer high-quality therapy in the US and worldwide.
Using you health insurance benefits to assist with the cost of therapy
Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan is In-Network with BCBS & Aetna, and Out-of-Network with most health insurances. I have also been reimbursed by Aetna, Cigna, BCBS, Emblem, Oxford, United and many more for out-of-network mental health services. Most of my clients are compensated for about 50-100% of my fees. Your insurance will refund a large portion of each session, as long as you have met your Out-of-Network deductible. If you have an Out-of-Network plan and have met your Out-of-Network deductible, your health plan will mail the partial refund in the form of a check to your home within a few weeks after each appointment.
How can an Integrative Psychotherapy & Wellness Practice enhance your life?
Gain support through a personal crisis, transition, loss, trauma or challenging situation that causes personal or relational distress
Heal codependency and feel empowered, autonomous, safe and secure in your life as self-esteem naturally increases
Find relief for sadness, depression and chronic depression with interpersonal psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR
Uncover unconscious conflicts and blocking beliefs that may be sabotaging your success and happiness
Address dissociation, body image, eating disorders, compulsions, addictions, substance use or abuse and obsessions
Learn to identify important thoughts, feelings, emotions, motivations and unconscious internal conflicts with insight-oriented therapy
Develop enhanced self-awareness as well as empathy and compassion for self and others with relational therapy
Break through blocks in intimacy, detach from unhealthy relationships and break patterns of repetition in significant relationships
Learn to identify triggers that lead to anger, confusion and relationship dysfunction in couple and relationship counseling
Develop effective, assertive communication skills to benefit personal and professional relationships
Learn more adaptive coping skills, self-care rituals, self-acceptance and mindfulness to create a healthy work-life balance
Uncover patterns of crippling perfectionism that interfere with achievement, success and personal happiness using EMDR
Process and heal painful feelings of loneliness, disappointment, sadness, loss, grief, guilt, shame, anger, envy and fear
Resolve trauma and abuse symptoms, develop healthier boundaries and heal early attachment wounds with EMDR Therapy
Recommendations for protocols using precursor amino acids, fatty acids, herbal medicine, supplements for mood, anxiety, ADHD, addictions, cravings, brain fog, PTSD
Diagnose & identify reproductive hormone-related (peri-menopause, menopause) anxiety, depression, insomnia, brain fog, low energy, pain, migraines, IBS, fibromyalgia
Learn self-care, meditation, breathing techniques, energy medicine & somatic therapy practices to regulate the nervous system
Obtain consultations for referrals to psychopharmacologists, psychiatrists, psychologists and other allied professionals