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What is EMDR?
EMDR is an innovative psychotherapeutic method for treating a range of mental disorders, illnesses and changing limiting beliefs and defense mechanisms.
The Francine Shapiro Institute, founder of the EMDR method.
International EMDR Association
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5 facts about EMDR
1. The WHO and APA recommend EMDR as one of the most effective therapies for PTSD
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA) have recognized EMDR as one of the most effective methods for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
2. Faster recovery compared to classic therapy
Research shows that EMDR can shorten the duration of therapy – clients often experience relief after just a few sessions , whereas cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can take months or years.
3. EMDR is a proven effective method for treating a range of mental and somatic illnesses and disorders
EMDR is used to treat a wide range of problems, including trauma and stress disorders (PTSD, complex relationship trauma or CPTSD), anxiety and mood disorders (anxiety, OCD, depression, bipolar disorder), personality and behavioral disorders (borderline personality disorder, addictions, eating disorders), physical and neurological problems (somatoform disorders, chronic pain, neurodegenerative diseases, sleep disorders), and functioning and adjustment problems (sexual disorders, performance anxiety, child and adolescent problems).
4. EMDR is an effective method for treating all types of chemical and non-chemical addictions
The EMDR method has been proven to be successful in treating various types of addictions, including drug, alcohol, and screen addiction (which is especially important, as EMDR is also a suitable method for children).
5. EMDR influences positive self-image and emotional resilience
After completing the EMDR process, people often report increased self-confidence, a greater sense of control over their lives, and improved relationships and emotional stability.
If we live with trauma, we are not healthy!
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This means that health is not just about physical well-being, but also includes emotional stability, social relationships, cognitive functioning, and a sense of security in the world.
TRAUMA OVER TIME DESTROYS ALL OF THESE COMPONENTS
Trauma is not just a psychological wound, but has profound neurobiological consequences that affect physical, mental, and social health. When an individual experiences a traumatic experience, the body and brain adapt in ways that can be harmful in the long term.
Brain
Amygdala hyperactivation
Weaker prefrontal cortex
Reduction of the hippocampus
Body
Chronic activation of the stress response
Increased risk of physical illness
Relationships
Social isolation
Problems with setting boundaries
Recurrence of toxic relationships
Defense mechanisms
Dissociation
Denial
Manipulations
Splitting
Trauma with a capital and a small "T"
Trauma is a deeply stressful experience that exceeds our ability to cope and process. However, not all traumas are the same – we often distinguish between traumas with a capital "T" and traumas with a small "t".
Extremely intense traumatic experiences.
🔹 Violence and abuse (physical, sexual, emotional)
🔹 Serious accidents and injuries
🔹 War, torture and terrorism
🔹 Death of a loved one in sudden circumstances
🔹 Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, fires)
🔹 Serious illness or complex medical procedure
Less obvious, repetitive, relational experiences.
🔹 Chronic emotional neglect
🔹 Criticism, rejection, or humiliation
🔹 Family breakdown (parental divorce, loss of guardian)
🔹 Social exclusion, bullying, rejection
🔹 High expectations and pressure to succeed
🔹 Overwork, job loss
Faces of trauma: trauma can express itself in countless different ways
Mental illnesses and disorders
Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder. ADHD, schizophrenia, OCD, PTSD, CPTSD, personality disorders.
Toxic
samples
Toxic patterns are related to our defense mechanisms. They are ways you survived trauma, but they are harmful today.
Problems with
sleeping
Due to the constant tension of the body, which is under stress, various problems with sleep occur (insomnia, oversleeping, etc.).
Physical chronic diseases
Trauma affects all the organic systems of your body and manifests through them as diseases, inflammation, and immunity...
Problems in
relationships
Related to one's own defense mechanisms or to repeated relationships with toxic people, such as narcissists.
Feelings
numbness
In order to survive chronic trauma, we must silence the pain that accompanies it. This silencing manifests itself as feelings of numbness.
Distrust
into yourself
Trauma destroys your sense of inner worth, therefore it destroys your trust in yourself, in your feelings, in your reactions and decisions.
Low
self-confidence
Trauma kills the sense of self-worth, so a special kind of shame develops, stemming from the false belief that we are not good enough .
Alienation, dissociation
Dissociations can take the form of confusion, dreaminess, or reverie, but can also
also known as depersonalization or derealization.
Sabotaging your own success
Sabotaging your own success or happiness is a mechanism for reliving trauma, which acts like an invisible cage that traps you.
Development
burnout
Burnout occurs due to the combination of constant physical tension and stress from feeling like we always have to prove ourselves.
Hypersensitivity to criticism
A defense mechanism that destroys relationships while also causing you painful feelings of inferiority and often anger.
Contact
I am available during business hours for additional information or personal ordering.
Location:
Overseas Brigades Square 7
Ljubljana
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THURSDAY 10am - 6pm
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