EMDR   
​Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing 

EMDR is a highly specialized therapy that should be conducted by a licensed mental health professional who has undergone specific training in this complex approach. EMDR involves recalling a stressful past event and "reprogramming" the memory in the light of a positive, self-chosen belief, while using rapid eye movement to facilitate the process. 

​How does EMDR therapy work?  At the time of a traumatic event, strong emotions interfere with our ability to completely process the experience and one moment becomes " frozen in time ". Recalling the traumatic event may feel as though the person is reliving the event all over again because the images, smells, sounds, and feelings remain unprocessed and can be triggered in the present.  When activated, these negative memories impact our daily functioning and interfere with how we view ourselves and our world , and how we relate to others. EMDR appears to directly affect the brain , "unfreezing" the traumatic memories, allowing us to resolve them. Over time, the disturbing memory and associated beliefs, feelings, sensations become "digested" or processed until the client is able to think about the event without reliving it. The memory is still there, but is less upsetting and intrusive. While the exact mechanism for the effectiveness of EMDR is yet unknown, it appears rapid eye movement relieves the anxiety associated with the trauma so the original event can be examined from a more detached perspective.  This enables the client to access positive ways of reframing the original trauma ( reprocessing ), and to release the body's stored negative emotional responses around it ( desensitization ).

EMDR does not require the client to go into detail about the distressing event. Unlike traditional therapy modalities, the trauma is not analyzed for long periods of time, and the trauma that must be re-experienced during treatment is relatively short lived. Cognitive reprocessing occurs simultaneously with memory recall. 

In addition to treating trauma, EMDR has been applied to treating Addictions. Using the effective combination of Motivational Interviewing and protocols such as Cravex, and Detur, a trained EMDR therapist guides the client to a lasting sobriety.  EMDR is compatible with other treatment modalities including 12 step, Methadone, and Vivitrol. 

EMDR has shown to be effective treating tobacco dependence, and can be applied to treat other addiction processes such as gambling and sexual obsessive/compulsive behaviors.

The use of EMDR therapy has also been found effective in treating certain Anxiety Disorders such as testing anxiety ( has not yet been shown effective in treating panic disorders or phobias ) 

**** EMDR was created for use as a trauma therapy and as such focuses on intensely stressful subjects. Pregnant women, or those with heart conditions, eye problems, or other health issues should consult with their physician before beginning EMDR therapy. 

Fees

Counseling Fees are set at $110 per clinical hour or as contracted between provider and insurance company.
​You should be aware that treatments such as EMDR are customarily provided in 90 minute sessions and that insurance may not provide for more than a 45 minute session. You will be responsible for the portion of the session not covered by your insurance. 

Contact us to discuss if EMDR would be a beneficial treatment option for you. 


Dignified Healing LLC
​(978) 790- 8236

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) 
Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) places focus on a person's present and future circumstances and goals rather than past experiences. In this goal-oriented therapy, the symptoms or issues bringing a person to counseling  are typically not targeted. Instead, a qualified therapist encourages those in treatment to develop a vision of the future and offers support as they determine the skills, resources, and abilities needed to achieve that vision successfully.

HOW DOES SFBT WORK?
SFBT, aims to help people experiencing difficulty find tools they can use immediately to manage symptoms and cope with challenges. It is grounded in the belief that although individuals may already have the skills to create change in their lives, they often need help identifying and developing those skills. Similarly, SFBT recognizes that people already know, on some level, what change is needed in their lives, and SFBT practitioners work to help the people in their care clarify their goals. Practitioners of SFBT encourage individuals to imagine the future they desire and then work to collaboratively develop a series of steps that will help them achieve those goals. In particular, therapists can help those in treatment identify a time in life when a current issue was either less detrimental or more manageable and evaluate what factors were different or what solutions may have been present in the past. This form of therapy involves first developing a vision of one’s future and then determining how internal abilities can be enhanced in order to attain the desired outcome. Therapists who practice SFBT at guide people in therapy through the process of recognizing what is working for them, eliminate what is not working, help them explore how best to continue practicing those strategies, and encourage them to acknowledge and celebrate success. In addition, practitioners of SFBT support people in therapy as they experiment with new problem-solving approaches.

In SFBT, counselors ask specific types of question to guide the session. Coping questions, for example, can help demonstrate to those in therapy their resiliency and the number of ways in which they are capable of coping with challenges in their lives. 
Clients envision a future in which the problem is absent. In essence, this line of questioning allows people to explain how their lives would look different if the problem did not exist, which can help them identify small, practical steps they can take immediately toward change.

Short Term Solution Focused therapy can be applied to resolve and process situational anxieties and depressive symptoms.  It may not be suitable for deep rooted issues, thoughts and behavior patterns. At times these techniques are incorporated into ongoing therapy for situational developments to assist client in regaining stability to facilitate continuing progress in  therapy. 

Non - Violent Communication  ​​is a learned skillset that assists clients in meaningful, honest interactions with others.  NVC is the integration of four main principles: Language ~ understanding how words contribute to connection or distance in our relationships. Consciousness ~ principles that support a life of compassion, courage, collaboration and authenticity. Communication ~learning how to ask for what we want, how to hear others even in disagreement and how to move toward solutions that work for all. Influence ~sharing our 'power with others' rather than using 'power over others'. 

Non-Violent Communication increases our ability to live with choice, meaning and connection. It assists us in hearing what others are relating to us and in guiding our responses to be heard. 
NVC is beneficial in relationships and daily interactions with others in marriages, families, employment, education, and in business. It increases overall wellness through communication that is effective, peaceful, non-judgemental, non discriminating, and non-reactionary.  This therapeutic skill building module enhances health, healing and promotes self-care. 

​Non-Violent Communication is offered in individual sessions, couples and family therapy and in small groups.

COVID-19 SPECIFIC ANXIETY SESSIONS​

​Currently offering therapeutic telehealth sessions to address COVID-19 specific anxiety. The pandemic affects everyone in different ways, but surely touches us all. Let us help you navigate the symptoms of anxiety you are experiencing during these times of uncertainty. 

Begin your healing journey​

" What you allow will continue. "

Is it time to heal?  Time to release painful memories and move towards a more peaceful, happier life? 
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