Looking for EMDR therapy in Michigan? Before we talk specifics around EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), it’s important to acknowledge the role trauma can play in our lives. Traumatic events impact the mind and body. This is especially true if the trauma isn’t properly addressed and processed. When we experience a traumatic event, it affects us in multiple ways. On a physiological level we experience fluctuating cortisol levels and disruptions to the Vagus Nerve. What we don’t heal will ultimately stay pent up in our body. We will witness the trauma physically manifesting in a variety of ways. Unprocessed trauma can cause digestive issues, disrupted sleep, insomnia, and mood shifts like anger or irritability.
EMDR is different from traditional talk therapy—it involves both verbal processing and body movement simultaneously.
How EMDR Therapy Works
An EMDR-trained therapist guides clients through traumatic memories while activating both sides of the brain. They use Bilateral Stimulation (BLS), such as tapping or hand movements, to engage the brain’s left and right sides.
BLS helps the brain process and release trauma from the mind, body, and nervous system. As cortisol levels drop and the vagus nerve resets, the body begins to heal. Over time, positive emotions and thoughts replace distress. EMDR allows clients to recall trauma without the same emotional intensity—helping them regain control over their past.
This may sound as if it could be overwhelming, but any of our EMDR-trained therapists can guide you through it all, step-by-step, with support as needed on a timeline that feels right for you.
EMDR Therapy in Michigan
At Bright Spot, the path towards healing through EMDR therapy is typically done after a client has worked to develop Heart Math, completed Safe and Sound Protocol, as well as mindfulness work, and is settled into therapy. Our clinicians have found that these steps allow clients to get the most from their EMDR experience while minimizing potential negative side effects such as a temporary increase in fear or distress. Our clinicians will be open with you about if or where they think EMDR will be the most impactful for you on your roadmap to healing.
While most research on EMDR has been done on trauma & PTSD, EMDR is also effective in treating:
- Anxiety and/or frequent panic attacks
- Depression
- Grief
- Phobias
Flash EMDR: A Faster Path to Healing
Get better faster with Flash EMDR. Read more about Flash EMDR here.
