Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Brainspotting are innovative, specialized psychotherapies designed to help individuals process trauma, reduce anxiety, and alleviate depressive symptoms. While Waybridge does not directly provide EMDR or Brainspotting, we highly value these treatments and actively collaborate with skilled providers who specialize in these powerful therapeutic techniques.
What is EMDR?
EMDR was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro. It is specifically designed to help individuals process traumatic memories that contribute to ongoing distress, anxiety, or depression.
How EMDR Works:
- EMDR involves recalling distressing memories while simultaneously performing bilateral stimulation—typically through guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues.
- This bilateral stimulation facilitates the brain's natural ability to process and integrate traumatic experiences, significantly reducing their emotional impact.
Conditions EMDR Can Help:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Depression linked to traumatic experiences
- Anxiety disorders and phobias
What to Expect in EMDR Therapy:
Sessions typically involve identifying traumatic or distressing memories, focusing on associated feelings and sensations, and applying bilateral stimulation to help process these experiences safely and effectively.
What is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting, developed in 2003 by psychotherapist Dr. David Grand, is another innovative approach designed to identify, process, and release sources of emotional pain or trauma stored deep within the brain.
How Brainspotting Works:
- Brainspotting involves identifying specific points in your visual field, called “brainspots,” that correspond to emotional activation related to trauma or distress.
- By focusing attention on these brainspots, therapists help clients access, process, and heal emotional and psychological wounds stored at deeper, subcortical levels of the brain.
Conditions Brainspotting Can Help:
- Trauma and PTSD
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Emotional regulation difficulties
What to Expect in Brainspotting Therapy:
Sessions typically involve guided visual focus, deep breathing, and mindfulness to access and release emotional tension stored within the body and brain. The process is gentle, client-led, and highly personalized.
Effectiveness of EMDR and Brainspotting:
Both EMDR and Brainspotting have shown significant effectiveness in reducing symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and depression. Clinical studies and client experiences consistently indicate positive, lasting results, particularly in individuals who have not fully benefited from traditional talk therapies alone.
Waybridge’s Commitment to Collaborative Care
At Waybridge, while we specialize in advanced interventional treatments like IV ketamine, TMS, and Spravato, we recognize the immense value EMDR and Brainspotting bring to comprehensive mental health care. We actively collaborate with local therapists who specialize in these approaches and gladly refer our patients to skilled providers within our trusted network.
Your Next Step
If you’re interested in exploring EMDR or Brainspotting as part of your healing journey, Waybridge is here to help you connect with experienced professionals. Contact us today, and we'll guide you towards specialized therapists who can support your path toward emotional healing and recovery.
