EMDR, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, was designed to help individuals move past the lingering psychological effects of trauma or negative experiences, whether or not they led to PTSD. These emotional consequences can deeply affect your current well-being, making it hard to truly heal. EMDR isn't about reliving the past; instead, it's about addressing those negative thoughts and feelings that come up when you're reminded of difficult times. These persistent distressing thoughts keep reopening old wounds, stopping them from healing properly. Dr. David Salvage uses a special technique involving rapid eye movements to help you reframe these thoughts into more positive ones, allowing your brain to heal and move forward. Originally developed for trauma and PTSD, Dr. Salvage now uses EMDR to treat a variety of stubborn mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, phobias, OCD, and impulse control disorders. He has seen great success in helping patients who feel stuck in their negative thoughts, no matter the underlying issue. To see if EMDR is right for you, contact our Brooklyn, NY practice and have Dr. Salvage conduct a thorough and caring evaluation of your situation.
How Does EMDR Work?
Dr. Salvage is dedicated to helping you break negativity and move forward with a more positive outlook. EMDR works by desensitizing your negative feelings and thoughts and then reprocessing or replacing them with positive ones. For instance, if you were in a car accident, instead of being overwhelmed by fear and anxiety about driving, Dr. Salvage helps you see your experience as one of survival and strength. To achieve this, he guides you through eight phases. The first phase is history gathering where he learns about your past experiences. Then, in the preparation phase, he explains the process and helps you develop techniques to handle emotional distress. The assessment phase involves identifying the negative thoughts and feelings you want to address.
Next, during the desensitization phase, you use eye movements to reduce the intensity of these negative thoughts. In the installation phase, positive thoughts are reinforced to replace negative ones. A body scan is then conducted to check for any residual tension or distress. Closure ensures that you leave each session feeling better, not worse, and the final phase, reevaluation, happens at the beginning of each session to review progress and address any new issues. EMDR provides effective, fast relief for those who have been struggling for years with harmful emotions tied to specific events.
What Are the Benefits of EMDR?
EMDR offers numerous advantages and can have a profound impact on your mental and emotional well-being. By addressing and transforming negative thoughts and emotions related to past traumas, EMDR helps individuals in the Brooklyn, NY area move forward with greater resilience and peace of mind, resulting in the following benefits:
Reduction in PTSD symptoms
Decreased anxiety and depression
Improved self-esteem and self-worth
Enhanced ability to cope with stress
Faster processing of traumatic memories
Greater emotional stability
Better overall mental health
Increased resilience in facing future challenges
Begin Healing Today
If you're struggling with the lasting effects of past trauma, EMDR with Dr. David Salvage could be a transformative step for you. With his expertise and Level III training in EMDR, Dr. David Salvage offers compassionate and skilled guidance to help you overcome negative thoughts and emotions. Dr. Salvage's dedication to your mental and emotional well-being ensures a supportive and effective therapeutic experience. Reach out to our Brooklyn, NY practice today to begin healing, and see how EMDR can make a difference in your life.
