Ruth also offers specialist treatment (EMDR: Eye Movement De-Sensitisation and Re-Processing) for a range of conditions including trauma, for suitable adult clients.
Ruth Braunstein in a licensed Psychologist (AHPRA and PsyBA) and also a full Member of the EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA). Ruth is listed as an EMDR therapist on the EMDRAA website ‘Find a therapist’ section: http://emdraa.org/find-an-emdr-therapist/. Clinicians and therapists listed on the EMDRAA website have proven completion of an additional 80 hours of EMDR training and mandatory EMDR specific supervision hours.
EMDRAA is affiliated with the International EMDR Association (EMDRIA).
What is EMDR?
EMDR is recommended as a ‘first-line’ treatment for trauma and PTSD in adults, adolescents and children (WHO, World Health Organisation, US Department of Veterans, etc). EMDR is already well established internationally and increasingly recognised by health professions across Australia, including the Australian Psychological Society.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a form of safe, non-invasive treatment. It engages the person’s brain, mind and body in activating the brain’s natural ability to form memories, and memory connections. This natural brain processing – and integration – is also known as Adaptive Information Processing.
What happens during an EMDR session?
During a typical EMDR treatment session:
both right and left brain hemispheres are engaged – hence ‘bi-lateral’ stimulation.
This is applied to identified target memories that may be otherwise ‘stuck’, ‘frozen’ or actively ‘blocked’ memories.
the therapist helps the person remain grounded in the present ‘here’ and ‘now’, while simultaneously recalling targeted memories, and connecting with the associated emotions, body sensations and thoughts that target memory may hold.
The person remains awake and in control during the process.
The specific memory targets are selected in collaboration between each person and the therapist.
When an EMDR processing session is successfully completed, there is a noticeable significant change in how the person experiences that memory.
Typically, a memory that was previously ‘frozen’, ‘overwhelming’ or ‘avoided’, instead has a sense of ‘distance’ or release from the sting /distress/fear/ immediacy it once held.
For example, it is not uncommon for a person to comment that the memory or past experience – while unpleasant or unwanted – no longer has the ‘charge’ of triggering a cascade of ‘out of control’ trauma reactions in their mind, body, emotions or behaviour now in the present.
EMDR outcomes typically include significant symptom reduction, improved functioning in daily life, a renewed sense of having survived and thrived despite past adversity.
EMDR is safe, contained, and collaborative.
Is EMDR the same as hypnosis? or a form of hypnosis?
EMDR is not a form of hypnosis.
Why EMDR?
Personal and professional curiosity and passion led Ruth to investigate trauma treatments extensively over more than a decade. She has satisfied herself that EMDR is a safe, effective and efficient (time and cost) treatment when conducted by skilled and accredited EMDR practitioners. Ruth continues to actively advance her knowledge and skills in EMDR and its specialist applications.
Can Ruth help me with EMDR?
Ruth has a track record applying EMDR effectively with adults to achieve significant, meaningful and enduring change. EMDR can be adapted to treat many conditions.
Among the concerns that Ruth has effectively treated with EMDR:
single episodes of trauma or shock (for example, motor vehicle accident, workplace injury, assault).
multiple epidoses of trauma or other adverse lifetime events over adult life .
complex trauma or difficult life events experienced in infancy, childhood or adolescence
Substance misuse
School Bullying
Growing up with family Violence
Childhood abuse
Persistent Pain
According to experts, previous exposure to adverse or difficult Life Events is a source of many common adult conditions such as Depression or Anxiety, also for many Grief Reactions, Phobias, Addictions, some Compulsive Behaviours and some Personality Disorders. EMDR is adaptable to effectively treating many conditions including these.
Ruth can provide EMDR treatment for suitable clients and provided by an experienced and certified EMDR practitioner.(Eye Movement De-Sensitisation and Re-Processing)
Ruth Braunstein in a licensed Psychologist (AHPRA and PsyBA) and also a full Member of the EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA). Ruth is listed as an EMDR therapist on the EMDRAA website ‘Find a therapist’ section: http://emdraa.org/find-an-emdr-therapist/. Clinicians and therapists listed on the EMDRAA website have proven completion of an additional 80 hours of EMDR training and mandatory EMDR specific supervision hours.
EMDRAA is affiliated with the International EMDR Association (EMDRIA).
Unlike some other standard psychological treatments, EMDR is generally well tolerated and minimises risks of a person being re-traumatised during treatment.
Where can I find out more about EMDR?
More information on EMDR can be found on the website of the Eye Movement and Desensitisation and Reprocessing Association of Australia or EMDR Association of Australia or emdraa.org
Or please feel free to contact Ruth by email or mobile for more information, or to arrange a confidential consultation to discuss your possible suitability for EMDR or alternative approaches.