EMDR Therapy
Offered by Heather Vanderkam, RSW
EMDR, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is a therapeutic technique to treat distressing and/or traumatic memories. EMDR has been recognized by the WHO as one of the most effective and safest ways to treat trauma.
EMDR can be accessed for a variety of distressing memories. Whether they be significant childhood memories of recent life experiences. This could include, but is not limited to: birth trauma, miscarriage, unsuccessful fertility treatment, significant conflict with family or partner, parenting stressors, etc.
EMDR has been successful in treating memories which lead to current anxiety symptoms, depression, PTSD and more.
What to expect from EMDR Therapy
EMDR utilizes dual attention stimuli. This allows for clients to be physically present in the moment, while allowing the brain to access the distressing memory to re-process. Dual attention stimuli could include eye movement, however could also involve alternative tapping, sounds, movements, etc. Eye movement is not required to be able to successfully complete EMDR therapy. Clinicians prepare clients for reprocessing by taking a thorough history, and developing safety and stabilization tools prior to addressing the trauma. EMDR does not make traumatic memories disappear. It allows the brain to shift out of the fight or flight response associated with them, in order to heal the symptoms and emotional distress caused by the traumatic event.
EMDR does not require describing all the details of the event or homework.
For more information about EMDR therapy, check out: About EMDR Therapy - EMDR International Association (emdria.org)
How to access EMDR
If you are interested in seeing whether EMDR is right for you, begin by booking an EMDR assessment appointment with Heather Vanderkam.
In this meeting, you will discuss the presenting concern and symptoms you are experiencing, begin a history-taking, and determine whether EMDR or traditional talk therapy approaches would be the best treatment options for you.
Meet Heather!
Parenting can be magical, beautiful and life changing. Sometimes though, it can also be nothing like how we imagined it would be. After over a decade of experience working with parents and children in the London community, as well as working internationally, I have developed a passion for supporting individuals and families in managing difficult times in their lives in order to find balance. Whether it be through infertility, the worries of pregnancy, the adjustment of new-parenthood or experiencing a child with higher needs/ neurodiversities, you deserve to have someone on your side to navigate these uncertainties.
I know the ups and downs that come with parenting. Dealing with the daily attempts to manage everything can be overwhelming. As a mother of four amazing and uniquely individual children myself, I have lived experience with this venture. I also know the benefits of building an amazing support system and resources from which to utilize during difficult times.
Outside of my work as a social worker, you may also see me around Rebirth as one of the yoga instructors. If you have ever attended any of my classes, you will know that I truly believe one of the greatest benefits of yoga has to do with its effect on our minds- by being able to become present, slow down, and turn inwards. This is why, along with various therapeutic techniques, I find benefit from incorporating somatic tools into our sessions in order to gain access to the nervous system and discover peace within our bodies and our minds.
You are not alone in this journey. Together, we can explore difficult emotions, and develop tools which you can draw upon to thrive during this challenging season in your life.
Heather is a Registered Social Worker (RSW) and also has a Masters Of Social Work (MSW). If you have extended health insurance coverage for a RSW or/and MSW, then your sessions may be covered.
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