Brookhaven Retreat congratulates primary therapist Katherine Myers on completing part two of the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy Training, held October 24-26 in Atlanta, Ga. This three-day training is the conclusion of a two-part series that began in June.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of therapy founded by Francine Shapiro in 1987 and 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 traumatic event including divorce, sexual abuse, or war may find themselves struggling with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) marked by intense nightmares and distressing flashbacks that feel as though they are reliving the experience at that very moment. PTSD often co-occurs with depression and substance abuse, which complicates the natural recovery process further.
These symptoms can be debilitating and disrupt a woman’s daily life, as well as hinder any therapeutic progress. Exploring relationships, places, and thoughts may become too painful, causing 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 self-injury and even suicide; therefore seeking the proper treatment for these painful memories is critical. EMDR works quickly to ease painful memories so they no longer cause emotional distress.
Brookhaven Retreat is committed to offering ongoing training and education to its dedicated staff. In order to continue providing quality care and treatment to women with mental health and substance abuse issues, all staff must be highly trained in the most effective therapeutic modalities available.
