EMDR and DBT Therapy

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According to Sharf, (2008) the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) was designed to treat posttraumatic stress disorder. EMDR requires that the clients visualize an upsetting memory and accompanying physical sensations. The clients repeat negative self-statements that they associate with the scene. The procedure is repeated again and again until the client’s anxiety is reduced. EMDR focuses on desensitizing strong emotional reasons in clients and help them to reframe their belief systems to accommodate new emotional states (Sharf, 2008). The goal of EMDR therapy is to process completely the experiences that are causing problems, and to include new ones that are needed for full health. EMDR focuses on desensitizing strong emotional reactions in clients and helps them to reframe their belief systems to accommodate new emotional states. The goal of EMDR therapy is to leave you with the emotions, understanding, and perspectives that will lead to healthy and useful behaviors and interactions (Sharf, 2008). Two Strengths of the EMDR Therapy The strengths of the EMDR therapy are that it uses elements of cognitive behavior and psychodynamic to treat clients. (1).EMDR therapy has eight phases of the treatment approach, they are; in phase one is the development of the treatment plan and getting the history from the client. In the second phase of the treatment is to teach the client coping skills needed to deal with stress in a positive manner. In phases three, four, and five the focus is on the therapist assisting the client into finding positive belief to replace negative ones. In the seventh phase the clients keeps a journal for the week. In that journal the client writes down anything that may trigger any negative ima... ... middle of paper ... ...g with suicidal and practicing self harm (Waltz, 2003). Insights I have gained from DBT Therapy DBT is effective when working with clients experiencing anxiety disorder and depression. Individuals in DBT therapy are taught to notice, rather than react to thoughts and behaviors. DBT teaches clients to accept their emotional reactions and learn to tolerate distress while being mindful of their present experiences. DBT has four stages for therapy. In stage one the pre-commitment stage is where the therapist explains what types of treatment the client will receive. In this stage the client must agree to stop all self harm behavior and work toward developing other coping skills. In stage two the goal is to assist the client into controlling her emotions. Stage three and four involve assisting the client to gain the ability to develop self respect (Waltz, 2003).

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