I think we can agree that as humans we are all navigating our own unique challenges, with the goal to get through these challenging paths with improved self-awareness and less distress. It is important that we recognize the countless experiences we have had in life and will continue to have, that result in a lasting impression, so powerful that it can alter how we respond in the world, and furthermore, how we respond physically and emotionally as individuals. Take a moment to think about some of the most difficult experiences in your life. We may have reflected on grief, parenting issues, stress, health limitations, addictions, relationship struggles, depression, self-esteem, anxiety, financial stress…this list could be endless. Life can be a lot. Many of us have had to navigate challenges that leave us feeling powerless or even lost in the world around us. Our brains, bodies and emotions have more similarities than differences, it is all connected, which makes it incredibly important to understand how our brain and body can adapt and change to support ourselves better.
Brain, Body Connections
Our brains are the central control system for the rest of our body. That’s why we always hear people say our gut is our second brain, if you have worked with me directly, you have probably heard me say that countless times. Our body is processing information from our nervous system, whether it's an emotional trigger or physical reaction, our body is keeping score. We aim to understand why we feel the way we do, why we believe what we do, and how we cope with the many paths life can bring. Let’s break it down to reflect for just a minute .... How do we learn what trust represents, or a sense of security in our world? Simply stated, how we view the world forms an opinion which then leads us to navigate our daily life largely through our individual experiences and yes, genetic factors too. Then, we store these experiences in memory networks that alter our behaviors, personalities, emotions, perceptions and so forth. What we experience at any given time becomes directly linked to a memory network of past experiences, as this allows us to navigate through it and try to make sense of it all. It strengthens our awareness, helps us understand what we are perceiving and happens to us over and over again. These memory networks are created throughout our lives and truly determine how we live, how we view ourselves, how we view others, how we manage what is happening and so forth. We do not give enough credit to how powerful our brain is for every single thing we feel, experience, and believe.
Your Brain, Your Strength
Our brain can be the most magical thing or most distressing space for us to exist in. We are processing information all day, every day. Our brain is often on overdrive. We teach our brain to pay attention to what we notice most often. How about teaching our brain to focus its energy on more productive work. Work that focuses on our experiences and memories in a healthier manner. A manner that leaves us feeling more empowered, more aware, and allows us to see ourselves and those around us in a different way.
One way to move forward is by jump starting your brain's information processing system through EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy.) Lots of discussion is worthy when we begin talking about EMDR, but in the simplest form, EMDR allows us to process information, make internal connections and create improvement in our emotional regulation, insight, understanding and overall wellness through modifications in the neurobiological process. Through EMDR phases and dedicated treatment, we can learn how to reprocess memories to reduce undesirable symptoms, allow and encourage new learning, and store these modifications to strengthen our desired thought processes, leading to a more balanced and enhanced quality of living.
With EMDR care, we establish a strong foundation of internal and external supports and strategies to lean on when needed during reprocessing. We explore your history, your desired goals to focus on, practice supports and put EMDR to work! We strive to reduce your distress, improve your emotional acceptance and affirmation, reframe and celebrate improved cognitive patterns, and enhanced coping throughout the phases of EMDR. So, whether you want to process loss, trauma, abuse, stress, anxiety, depression during the holidays and so forth, EMDR can be one model of therapy to consider.
Empower Your Brain
Your EMDR experience will be different from anyone else's. Your experience is solely connected to your memories, your challenges and your goals. EMDR is one modality of therapy I use within my practice and have found it to be very effective with positive outcomes. Ready to release, restore and unlock your healing? Reach out today to discuss your goals and possible benefits of considering EMDR care. Your brain has so much potential for personal discovery, resilience and positive transformation!
Written by Julie Shaw, LMSW
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