Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy | EMDR Therapy

Seoul Counseling Center offers evidence-based therapeutic approaches to help our clients heal from trauma and emotional distress, with one effective treatment being Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR Therapy), available at our locations in Seoul, Pyeongtaek (near Camp Humphreys), and via our secure online platforms. This powerful therapeutic method has helped countless individuals process traumatic memories and find relief from conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR psychotherapy treatment was originally designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. Developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has evolved into a comprehensive approach that incorporates elements from various therapeutic methods.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation — typically in the form of side-to-side eye movements, alternating tones, or tactile stimulation — while the client briefly focuses on traumatic memories. This process helps the brain reprocess these memories, reducing their emotional impact and facilitating healing.

How Does EMDR Work?

EMDR therapy is based on the Adaptive Information Processing model, which suggests that our brains have a natural ability to heal psychological wounds, similar to how our bodies heal physical injuries. However, trauma can disrupt this natural healing process.

When traumatic events occur, they can be stored in isolation, disconnected from the brain’s adaptive networks. These unprocessed memories can contain the emotions, physical sensations, and beliefs experienced during the traumatic event. When triggered, these memories can cause intense psychological distress.

EMDR helps the brain process these memories, integrating them into your normal memory networks. The bilateral stimulation appears to create a state similar to REM sleep, when the brain naturally processes daily experiences. This allows the distressing memories to be reprocessed and stored in a healthier way.

The Eight Phases of EMDR Treatment

At Seoul Counseling Center, our trained EMDR therapists guide clients through the eight phases of treatment:

1. History Taking and Treatment Planning: Your therapist gathers information about your history and develops a treatment plan.
   
2. Preparation: You learn coping strategies to handle emotional distress that may arise during treatment.
   
3. Assessment: Together with your therapist, you identify specific memories to target and assess associated negative beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations.
   
4. Desensitization: You focus briefly on the traumatic memory while experiencing bilateral stimulation. The goal is to reduce the distress associated with the memory.
   
5. Installation: You strengthen positive beliefs to replace the negative ones associated with the trauma.
   
6. Body Scan: You observe any remaining physical tension while thinking of the memory and target belief.
   
7. Closure: At the end of each session, your therapist ensures you return to a state of emotional equilibrium.
   
8. Re-evaluation: At the beginning of subsequent sessions, your therapist checks how previous work is holding up and identifies new targets if necessary.
   

Who Can Benefit from EMDR?

EMDR therapy has proven effective for various conditions, including:

– Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
– Anxiety disorders
– Panic attacks
– Depression
– Phobias
– Grief and loss
– Childhood trauma and abuse
– Performance anxiety

In our experience, EMDR has been particularly beneficial for expatriates and international residents, including active-duty US military personnel and veterans, including those who have experienced culture shock, various types of trauma, or difficulties in adjusting to life in South Korea.

EMDR in Korea

While EMDR is a globally recognized therapy, SCC’s multicultural team adapts the approach to be culturally sensitive to both Korean nationals and the international community. We understand that cultural factors influence how trauma is experienced and expressed, and our therapists incorporate this understanding into treatment.

For those unfamiliar with EMDR, we take extra care to explain the process thoroughly and address any cultural stigmas around mental health treatment. We also ensure that any language barrier does not impede the therapeutic process, with our services available in English, Korean, and several other languages, please ask us if we have a counselor who can offer counseling in the language you prefer.

What to Expect from EMDR at SCC

When you begin EMDR therapy at Seoul Counseling Center, you can expect:

– A thorough assessment to determine if EMDR is appropriate for your specific needs
– Clear explanations of the process in your preferred language
– A safe, comfortable environment at our Seoul or Pyeongtaek locations, or via secure online sessions
– Culturally sensitive care from therapists trained in working with diverse populations
– Regular assessment of your progress and adjustments to your treatment plan as needed

Taking the First Step in EMDR

If you’re struggling with the effects of trauma, anxiety, or other emotional difficulties, EMDR therapy at SCC may provide the relief you seek. Our compassionate team of mental health professionals is ready to support you on your journey toward healing.

Whether you’re in Seoul, Pyeongtaek, or accessing our services online from anywhere in the Republic of Korea or abroad, we invite you to reach out and learn more about how EMDR therapy can help you reclaim your life from the effects of trauma and distress.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our EMDR-trained therapists (e.g. Kelly Park, MA) and take the first step toward emotional well-being. Also see our Trauma & PTSD therapy page for related types of treatment.