How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

A graduate of Nova Scotia University with a master of science and a PsyD in clinical psychology, Dr. Lisa S. Galper is a private practice clinical psychologist in Scottsdale, Arizona. Working with both individuals and couples, Dr. Lisa S. Galper offers several therapies to treat trauma, anxiety, and stress, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Developed to access and reprocess traumatic memories, EMDR involves bilateral stimulation to reduce negative emotions associated with trauma. An alternative to traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses rapid, rhythmic eye movements to reduce the impact of highly emotional and negative memories.

In a typical EMDR therapy session, the therapist moves their fingers back and forth in front of a patient’s face, asking them to follow the movements while recalling a disturbing event. The biological mechanisms associated with rapid eye movement (REM) allow access to deeply stored memories and associations. The therapist then guides the patient to shift to more positive thoughts.

Successful EMDR treatment relies on the patient’s own intellectual and emotional processes to facilitate healing. Over time, patients often report less anxiety and a weakened effect of negative emotions.

What Causes PTSD?

Currently managing a private practice in Scottsdale, Arizona, Dr. Lisa Galper draws on several decades of experience as a psychologist. In her practice, Dr. Lisa S Galper treats patients who have a variety of disorders, including personality disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a collection of symptoms that occurs when a person has been exposed to an event that is frightening, dangerous, or distressing. PTSD can develop as a result of any type of severe stress. It frequently arises as a result of a direct experience wherein someone has been badly harmed or has been threatened with injury or death. In some other cases, it happens to those who witness traumatic occurrences or learn of a family member's or close friend's untimely or violent death or injury.

Normally, the body produces hormones and chemicals in response to stress to prepare a person for flight or defense - a decision that comes from instinct. When the threat is passed, the body usually returns to normal, and the stress response shuts down.

When someone has PTSD their stress response system does not shut down properly. PTSD symptoms generally appear during the first month following a traumatic event. However, they can begin a few months or years later in some situations. Symptoms might last for years or come in episodes if another occurrence triggers recollections of the trauma. Flashbacks, hallucinations, nightmares, anxiety, and emotional numbness are some of these symptoms.

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