"Trauma creates change you don’t choose. Healing is about creating change you do choose."
– Michelle Rosenthal
Trauma Therapy
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Benefits of Virtual EMDR Therapy
Convenience: Accessible from home, reducing barriers like travel or childcare.
Flexibility: Ideal for clients who prefer remote sessions due to scheduling or comfort preferences.
Safe Environment: Being in their own space can help clients feel more secure when addressing sensitive topics.
Evidence-Based: Virtual EMDR has shown to be as effective as in-person sessions in many studies, particularly when facilitated by a trained EMDR therapist.
Virtual EMDR therapy can effectively address trauma, anxiety, PTSD, phobias, and other emotional challenges while accommodating modern lifestyles.
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EMDR from home
Virtual EMDR Therapy is a form of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy conducted online, allowing clients to access treatment from the comfort of their own space. EMDR is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy designed to help individuals process and heal from trauma, distressing life events, or negative thought patterns. Virtual EMDR replicates the in-person process using secure video conferencing and digital tools.
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Initial Assessment and Preparation
The therapist evaluates the client’s history and goals for therapy.
Clients are introduced to the EMDR process and taught grounding techniques to ensure emotional safety during sessions.
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Bilateral Stimulation (BLS)
In traditional EMDR, BLS involves physical cues like following the therapist's finger or tapping.
Virtually, BLS is delivered through:
On-screen visuals (e.g., moving dots or lights for the client to track).
Auditory tones via headphones.
Apps or software that simulate tactile stimulation, if needed.
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Reevaluation and Closure
The therapist checks for shifts in the client’s thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations.
Each session ends with grounding exercises to ensure the client feels stable.
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Other Types of Trauma Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): Designed for children, adolescents, and their caregivers to address trauma through cognitive restructuring, relaxation techniques, and gradual exposure.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Focuses on identifying and challenging unhelpful beliefs about trauma to reduce PTSD symptoms.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE): Involves repeated, controlled exposure to trauma-related thoughts and memories to reduce avoidance and fear.
Somatic Experiencing (SE): Addresses trauma stored in the body by helping clients become aware of and release physical tension.
Internal Family Systems (IFS): Helps clients heal trauma by exploring internal "parts" of themselves and fostering self-compassion.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Supports individuals, couples, or families in strengthening attachment bonds and processing trauma through emotional connection.
Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP): An attachment-based therapy often used for children and families impacted by complex trauma.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): Teaches mindfulness practices to help clients manage trauma-related stress and emotional dysregulation.
Trauma-Sensitive Yoga: Integrates gentle movement and breathwork to help clients reconnect with their bodies in a safe and empowering way.
Narrative Therapy: Helps clients reframe their trauma story and separate their identity from the traumatic experience.
Art or Play Therapy: Engages creative expression to process trauma, particularly effective with children.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): Concentrates on strengths and solutions to help clients navigate trauma recovery.
Strengths-Based Therapy: Encourages clients to build resilience by focusing on their innate strengths and resources.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores how early life experiences and unconscious processes influence trauma responses.