Moya Matimba, LLC
Research shows that during a traumatic or disturbing event, memories are stored with negative affects and sensations. The result is that certain feelings, sounds and smells can trigger a negative response in present time, for example, a rape victim's reaction to a smell that is a reminder of a rapist's deodorant, or the sound of shattering glass after a car accident.
These memories have a lasting negative effect. Reactions and habitual patterns of coping behavior interfere with the way a person sees the world, relates to people and prevents living to one's full potential.
EMDR (Eye Movement and Desensitizing and Reprocessing) Therapy access and reprocess these disturbing memories and is a psychotherapy approach based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model. During EMDR's mindful approach to addressing the trauma, the targeted memory is reprocessed and integrated with the full range of memory, forging new connections between the targeted dysfunctional memory network and memory networks containing more adaptive information.
EMDR's three-pronged approach deals with the Past (what memories set the foundation), the Present (what situations trigger disturbance) and the Future (what skills, behavioprs, information are necessary for optimal functioning in the future).
Negative cognitions or internalized negative beliefs established at time of trauma are also addressed, and clients are able to make a relevant cognitive shifts from perceptual to factual information. For example, a molested child who has the perception "I cannot trust anyone" is able to shift during EMDR Therapy to the factual information "I can choose whom to trust, including myself". EMDR is continued until the memory becomes less disturbing and is associated with positive thoughts and beliefs about one's self.
The type of problem, life circumstances, and the amount of previous trauma will determine how many treatment sessions are required for each individual client.
Helena Cohen
