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Monthly Archives: July 2024

July 07 2024

EMDR Therapy Helps Normal People Heal From Trauma

Author AM Nelson Categories EMDR, Trauma

People who seek trauma EMDR therapy are normal, regular people who have experienced a life event that has gone wrong.  Perhaps you were at the right place at the wrong time and experienced a crime, natural disaster, or witnessed a violent act.  Perhaps you were at the wrong place and unforeseen events unfolded that were outside of your control. Perhaps you were involved in a relationship (childhood or adult) that did not nurture your self-worth or was abusive.  In short, negative life events can happen to anyone, unexpectedly. This is not your fault. An EMDR Therapist can help guide you to move past these unfortunate events. You do not need to allow these negative events to define the rest of your life.  

Signs and Symptoms that EMDR Therapy Could Be Helpful

Normal, regular people who are searching for a way to stop past negative events from impairing their current lives go to EMDR therapy.  Some people are able to continue living in a similar way as they did before, such as meeting family obligations and excelling at work. Other people have more pervasive symptoms and problems carrying out daily tasks and roles; they may have noticed a shift in how relationships feel, or may not have been able to go to work or school.  Sometimes people feel “on edge,” irritable, or grumpy in a way that isn’t normal for them. Problems with concentration or having difficulty recalling information or learning new things can occur.  

Having signs or symptoms that something is wrong after something has actually gone quite wrong, does not make you weak or crazy.  It does mean that something profound has happened that may be beyond your ability to cope with it alone. If you continue to feel the negative impact of a traumatic experience several weeks after the event is over, EMDR therapy may benefit you.  

Some life experiences seem to carry a negative charge that is pervasive and powerful.  If can be difficult to shake a feeling of blame, shame, powerlessness, or fear. People often wonder “why.”   Why did it happen, why won’t it stop, why were they in a particular place, why didn’t they trust a certain feeling, why did they ignore a gut sense?  People also continue to replay scenes in their minds, or jump at similar sounds or places. Nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance of reminders, always feeling on guard, or having intrusive thoughts can be symptoms of an unresolved trauma experience that is still affecting you. 

How Do I Start EMDR Therapy?

Finding a licensed psychotherapist who is also certified in EMDR is a great place to start.  EMDR therapy by a licensed and EMDR certified psychotherapist can assist you in exploring, processing, and moving past these trauma symptoms.    EMDR is psychotherapy and requires considerable experience, knowledge, and training to be conducted in a safe and effective manner. By finding a licensed psychotherapist who is also certified in EMDR treatment, you are providing yourself with an opportunity to work with a professional who understands trauma and has considerable experience helping others.  

If you miss the old you, or are looking to find the new version of yourself that doesn’t seem stuck in the past, EMDR therapy may help.  EMDR therapy explores previous, current, and future events, thoughts, and feelings. The process can help you shift to more adaptive, positive ways of managing and conceptualizing unfortunate life experiences. 

July 07 2024

About Individual Therapy

Author AM Nelson Categories Pyschology, Therapy

Unfortunately, the big T traumas, small t traumas, and the accumulation of everyday woes can leave us feeling stuck, anxious, fearful, overly sad, grieving, or doomed to relive the past on repeat.  Therapy helps many people step off the hamster wheel of past stuckness and emotional reactivity.   

Therapy helps to process and understand past experiences, explore our beliefs, and consider the conclusions we’ve made.  Therapy is a process that can shift thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and relationships which can contribute to health and improved well-being. 

I offer individual psychotherapy using evidence-based practices. This means that I use research and clinical knowledge from experts that have been shown to be effective for specific difficulties. I frequently use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), psychodynamic therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). 

Our initial session will include an assessment where I gather information about your current strengths and difficulties, historical information that is impacting your current situation, and collaborate with you on treatment options, goals, and priorities.  From your unique wants and needs, we will work together to determine an individual treatment plan for you.  Not all issues respond equally to treatment type, and some treatments can be contraindicated in certain situations.  We will collaborate to create a treatment plan that is clinically sound and specific to meet your goals. 

I specialize in EMDR and brief therapy. These techniques are designed to create rapid change in the fewest number of sessions possible. Typical brief therapy is completed in 12 sessions or fewer. Many clients feel a shift or a release after 3 or 4 sessions.  Some clients end treatment after brief therapy, and others choose to continue therapy for enhanced well-being. Not all circumstances are appropriate for brief therapy. I also provide EMDR and psychotherapy to clients wishing to continue their growth, or for clients where brief techniques are not appropriate.

July 07 2024

Tips for Telehealth

Author AM Nelson Categories Therapy

In 2022, telehealth for mental and emotional health care became the most common type of telehealth being practiced in the United States. While telehealth is now common, practical, and widely accepted, it may be a new experience for you. If technology feels intimidating or if you don’t have much experience using web conferencing, preparation can be very helpful. For experts and those new to telehealth, here are a few tips to keep in mind to prepare for a positive experience. 

Prepare Yourself Before a Telehealth Therapy Session

  • Treat a telehealth session like an office session by reserving the time for yourself.
  • Prepare your body by planning meals and restroom use before the session.
  • Avoid multitasking during a telehealth session by refraining from other distractions, such as household chores, watching television, preparing meals, or smoking. 

Prepare Your Space Before a Telehealth Therapy Session

  • Locate yourself in a quiet space where you won’t be overheard or disturbed.  This may be in a bedroom, a private office, a parked car, or a walk-in closet. 
  • If you live with others, request that they do not disturb you during your session.
  • To reduce roommates or family members from overhearing your session, consider placing a white noise machine, a fan, or a music speaker outside the room you are utilizing for the session. 
  • Bring comfort items, such as water or a beverage, and tissues.
  • Some clients like to take notes for themselves in sessions.  You might want to have easy access to a journal or paper and a pen. 

Prepare Your Technology Before a Telehealth Therapy Session

  •  Test that your device has a working camera and microphone, whether that is your computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. For EMDR eye movements, a screen that is 20” diagonal or larger is best.
  • Set up your device where you can sit comfortably without having to hold or move your device.
  • Set up where a light source is in front of you, not behind you. Being backlit typically results in you being in shadows, and your therapist will not be able to see you. A light source may be a window, a lamp, a ring light, or a light built in your web camera.
  • Ensure your speakers and microphone are not directly next to each other to avoid audio feedback noise or use headphones. 
  • Headphones or earbuds with a microphone can be helpful to improve sound quality and maintain privacy. 
  • Ensure your device is either plugged into a power source or has a full battery.
  • Check your internet connection in your preferred space.
  • You can test your internet performance speed at Speedtest.net. Download speeds of 30 or more, and upload speeds of 8 or more, with low latency scores, provide better synchronization of web conferencing video.  
  • Closing other tabs, windows, or applications on your device can improve the speed performance.
  • Clearing browser history, cache, and cookies can increase your device’s performance. 
  • Request that others refrain from stressing the Wi-Fi system and delay tasks such as large downloads or streaming so that your internet connection is not slowed.
  • Check that your device has the latest version of the web conferencing software by either opening the program in your browser or your app store. 
  • Another way to test your software is to follow the link emailed to you for that session. Zoom web conferencing links are typically emailed at least one day prior to the scheduled session. You can follow the link before the session to test for the latest software updates. 

Prepare to Communicate During a Telehealth Therapy Session

  • Speak clearly without breathing directly into the microphone.
  • Make eye contact with the camera to look at the therapist, but don’t worry too much about where you look.
  • If you are bothered, distracted, or self-conscious about seeing yourself on the screen, place a small piece of paper over that part of the screen.  A sticky note can work well. 
  • Have your silenced phone handy.  In the event of an unforeseen technological hiccup, or an unexpected disconnection, your therapist will reach out to you by phone or text, even if it is at the end of the session time.