Brookhaven Retreat’s primary therapists will be attending the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy Training, June 20-22 in Atlanta, Ga. This three-day training is part one of a two part series that continues in October and aims to familiarize clinicians with the process of EMDR therapy.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of therapy founded by Francine Shapiro in 1987 that is most effective in treating clients suffering from the aftereffects of trauma. EMDR uses both sides of the brain simultaneously to effectively reprocess traumatic events and reduce their emotional impact.
Women who have experienced a major traumatic event or even psychological breakdowns on a smaller scale such as being bullied, may find themselves struggling with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Women with PTSD often experience nightmares and flashbacks that feel as though they are reliving the trauma at that very moment.
These symptoms can be debilitating and interfere with a woman’s daily life, as well as hinder the therapeutic process. Exploring relationships, thoughts and feelings may become overwhelming, and cause women to hold back instead of uncovering the underlying issues.
For women with PTSD life may feel as if there is no hope. These thoughts lead to an increased risk of suicide and substance abuse; therefore it is crucial for women to seek treatment for these painful memories. EMDR works quickly to ease painful memories so they no longer cause emotional distress.
Brookhaven Retreat is excited to offer continued training to its primary therapists. In order to continue providing quality care and service to women with mental health and substance abuse issues, it is important for all staff to be highly trained in the most effective therapeutic modalities available.
