Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
What is EMDR?
It seems that trauma is stored in the right hemisphere of the brain; which is the holistic and feeling side. Traditional talk therapy primarily uses left hemisphere brain functions, which uses logical functioning. Thus traditional therapy can take a very long time to process and resolve the traumatic experience. EMDR attempts to activate both sides of the brain (called bilateral stimulation). This is similar to what happens in the REM (rapid eye movement) stage of sleep. EMDR uses a variety of methods such as eye movements, hand tapping or sound coming through headphones. When the brain is stimulated bilaterally, you use the logic of the left-brain and the expression of the raw feeling of the right brain; both parts of the brain can work together to reintegrate the traumatic experience in a less disturbing way.
When to come in?
EMDR is used to treat panic attacks, dissociative disorders, complicated grief, disturbing memories, flashbacks, anxiety disorders, phobias, performance anxiety, stress reduction, addictions, and trauma associated with sexual and/or physical abuse. EMDR is used by the US Military to help combat veterans find answers. Dr. Asif Khan is trained at the EMDR International Association and is a qualified practitioner.
How can this help?
EMDR may be used in the context of regular “talk” therapy, as an additional therapy provided by someone other than the primary therapist, or as a treatment all by itself.
Our Therapy Process
Your first step is to call us to schedule your initial appointment. We will link you up with the therapist that we believe will be the best fit for you.
Your initial evaluation session provides an opportunity to establish rapport with the therapist and provide them with some background about yourselves and the reasons you are seeking therapy. In addition, they will be able to answer your questions regarding services, confidentiality, and what to expect in therapy.
At the end of your first session, if you decide to move forward with treatment, we will schedule further appointments. At your second appointment, we will create a treatment plan together that is compatible with your personality, needs, resources and your unique cultural background.
Call +1 630 774 8316 Dr. Asif or +1 630 674 1138 Dr. Yasmeen and speak to us to learn more or schedule an appointment.
The Benefits of EMDR Therapy
- We do not yet know enough about brain functioning to figure out exactly how EMDR works. What we do know, however, is that our brain often “freezes” traumatic memories to protect the system. When the memory of trauma is triggered, it may feel as if the trauma is being re-experienced all over again.
- The technique of EMDR reintegrates the memories in our system in such a way that even when the traumatic events are triggered/recalled, the emotional charge associated with trauma is minimized or neutralized.
If you are experiencing this,
please call us
Dr. Asif Khan
(630) 774 8316
Dr. Yasmeen Khan
(630) 674 1138