EMDR Therapist in Palm Beach with Jenny Smith
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
We offer virtual EMDR therapy in Palm Beach that offers a way to work through tough experiences and mental health challenges, guiding you gently toward healing.
Trauma impacts each person in a unique way. For some, it brings flashbacks, restless nights, or a lingering sense of fear. I know how overwhelming this can feel, but you don’t have to face it alone. Whatever your past holds, support is here in Palm Beach to help you move forward. You deserve to feel lighter, with a renewed sense of peace.
Fast Relief
Studies show that many people experience noticeable relief within just 3-6 EMDR sessions, making it one of the quickest options for trauma recovery.
Proven Effectiveness
EMDR has been shown to reduce PTSD symptoms in up to 90% of individuals with a single trauma, delivering strong results in a short time.
Gentle Process
Unlike CBT, EMDR doesn’t require you to revisit every detail of your trauma, question your beliefs, or complete extensive homework, making it easier to stay engaged.
Lasting Results
Research suggests that EMDR’s positive effects are long-lasting, offering relief without the need for ongoing medication or frequent follow-up sessions.
Understanding How EMDR Changes Lives in Palm Beach
EMDR aids in healing from trauma by guiding your brain to process difficult memories in a way that makes them feel less intense and easier to manage. Many have found relief from the lingering effects of trauma like anxiety, flashbacks, or feeling stuck.
With EMDR, your mind can heal gradually, at a pace that feels right for you. Whether you’re facing past abuse, loss, or other painful experiences, this approach can help you regain a sense of control and ease the weight of those memories. If you’re feeling held back, EMDR could be the path to the peace you’ve been looking for.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR therapy supports your brain’s healing from trauma through a technique called bilateral stimulation, which activates both sides of your brain. This often involves guided eye movements, similar to what happens naturally during REM sleep when your brain is busy processing experiences.
In simple terms, EMDR helps your brain “reprocess” memories that feel overwhelming or stuck. It’s commonly used to address trauma related to childhood abuse, neglect, or challenging relationships. EMDR doesn’t erase these memories but reduces their emotional intensity, giving you more control over how they affect you. Rather than feeling trapped by the past, you’ll gain a healthier way to process these experiences.
If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to explore resources like EMDRIA.
What to Expect in an EMDR Therapy Session
First, we’ll discuss your history and specific trauma to understand your experiences and how I can best support you. Then, we’ll create a safe, comfortable space for you to start processing.
During the desensitization phase, I’ll ask you to focus on a particular memory and any negative beliefs tied to it. Using gentle eye movements or tapping, we’ll activate both sides of your brain to help reprocess the memory.
As we continue, you’ll notice physical sensations and emotions coming up. At the end of each session, we’ll pause, allowing your mind to rest and gradually shift toward a more positive perspective. This process is gentle and paced to match your comfort level, helping you feel more at ease with each step forward.
The Eight Phases of EMDR
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1. History Taking
We start by identifying the key memories, triggers, and goals that shape your healing path, helping us understand what’s important to you.
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2. Preparation
I’ll introduce calming techniques and create a safe environment where you can move through the process at a pace that feels right for you.
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3. Assessment
Together, we’ll look closely at specific memories and the beliefs tied to them, recognizing both the pain and opportunities for change.
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4. Desensitization
Using gentle eye movements or tapping, we reduce the intensity of painful memories, allowing you to process them without feeling overwhelmed.
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5. Installation
We work on strengthening positive beliefs, helping to replace old, negative thoughts with ones that empower and uplift you.
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6. Body Scan
We check in with your body to release any remaining physical tension, allowing it to fully let go of the stress tied to these memories.
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7. Closure
Each session ends in a calm, grounded state, ensuring you feel stable and supported as we wrap up.
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8. Re-evaluation
We reflect on your progress, ensuring past memories no longer carry distress, so you feel confident moving forward.
What does EMDR help?
EMDR was originally created to help with PTSD, but it’s also been found helpful for:
PANIC ATTACKS
COMPLICATED GRIEF
DISSOCIATIVE DISORDERS
DISTURBING MEMORIES
PHOBIAS
PAIN DISORDERS
PERFORMANCE ANXIETY
ADDICTIONS
STRESS REDUCTION
SEXUAL AND/OR PHYSICAL ABUSE
BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDERS
PERSONALITY DISORDERS
Is EMDR Therapy in Palm Beach Right for You?
The goal of EMDR is to allow you to remember a traumatic experience without the emotional pain attached to it. Rather than erasing the memory, it shifts how you feel about it, so when it comes to mind, you feel safe and grounded.
EMDR isn’t the right fit for everyone, but it can be an excellent option if you’re looking for an alternative to traditional talk therapy. It’s especially worth considering if other methods haven’t provided the relief you need.
Studies indicate that EMDR can reduce common trauma-related symptoms like anger and stress.
If you’ve experienced trauma, you deserve to regain a sense of control. EMDR works by changing how your brain processes the trauma, allowing for a lasting shift. Instead of simply talking through it, you’ll feel a deep and genuine relief that endures.
If you’re interested in learning more about EMDR and whether or not it would be a good fit, contact me to schedule a free phone consultation.
Book a Free 20 Minute Consultation
You don’t have to carry the weight of your past by yourself. Peace is possible, and you deserve to feel it. Take that first step toward a life that feels lighter and more free. Schedule a free 20-minute consultation, and let’s begin this journey to healing, together.