What is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) was developed in 1987, and is one of several treatment programs including individual and group counseling offered by the Men’s Resource Center of West Michigan to help men dealing with trauma. According to the EMDR International Association, EMDR seems to have a direct effect on the way that the brain processes information. It helps a person see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way. Following a successful EMDR session, a person no longer relives the images, sounds, and feelings when the traumatic event is brought to mind. He still remembers what happened, but it’s less upsetting. Research has shown EMDR to be an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Why EMDR treatment or other trauma therapy?

Men in particular are conditioned to “suck it up” when it comes to recovering from traumatic experiences. But unresolved trauma impacts emotional well-being and relationships.

While a trauma survivor may attempt to go through life untreated, he typically finds himself crippled in his ability to manage emotionally-laden situations. The cost of his abrupt anger, hypersensitivity, anxiety, relationship conflict, and addictions adds up, resulting in broken relationships and an unsatisfying life.

The Men’s Resource Center has specialists trained in both EMDR and trauma therapy who work to engage men in what we believe is a courageous and real path to recovery; facing the realities of trauma in a safe relationship. We can help address traumatic experiences and the fall-out from these events such as panic attacks, pain disorders, dissociative disorders, phobias, addictions, performance anxiety, and the like.

If you are experiencing debilitating physiological and psychological results surrounding a traumatic experience, please contact the Men’s Resource Center for our fee structure and more information.