EMDR For Depression

Eye Movement Desensitation and Reprocessing

by Freda Salamy

Symptoms of depression are not uncommon. Often depression begins gradually and many clients tolerate this subtle decline in mood and forget how it felt to feel good. There may be feelings of shame, a sense they have failed or they don’t feel quite right.

How I work with clients and depression:

There are certain signs of depression I see with clients such as fatigue, weight fluctuations, agitation, anxiety, excessive crying, preoccupation with death and suicidal thoughts. I assess them with a health questionnaire that inquires about neurotransmitters, hormone balance, thyroid, adrenal function, sleep patterns and diet. Based on their answers, I refer the client to a qualified doctor such as Dr. Gabrielle Francis to augment the areas of need from a medical perspective.

Though many signs of depression are caused by medical conditions, (cancer, peri-menopause, diabetes and stroke ), some also come from prescription medication, recreational drugs and alcohol. This is something I will always take into consideration when assessing the client.

Life’s journey can trigger depression. There are many situations in life that may trigger a depressive episode such as moving, financial stress, loss of a job, loss of love from a break up or death, changes in family such as a marriage or new child, and much more. Our interpretation of these events and the perception of the experience is essential. This alone can alter our mood and chemistry.

The mind is a powerful tool and it can be used to sabotage as well. Rampant negative self talk, low self esteem and excessive worry can make it overwhelming to deal with depression. We all have an inner voice that comments and evaluates our life at all times. The inner voice comes from years of programming from our family and society of origin as well as our current cultural values. You may notice that you have some of these thoughts now.

I work with clients to get acquainted with the beliefs that direct their lives. Together we look for themes of unsupportive ideas. “I am not enough,” I am too much” or “I am unlovable” are a few that are quite common. Intellectually knowing that these judgments aren’t true isn’t enough to shake them off. This is where I find using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitation and Reprocessing) effective for deconstructing old ideas.

EMDR is a well-researched and documented psychotherapy tool that helps to release holding patterns that have imprinted themselves into our nervous system.

EMDR is traditionally used for trauma and anxiety. I often use this approach to desensitize negative ideas and the stored pictures and memories that are attached to them. Depression may arise from de-pressing a painful memory, or holding it in, or feeling no right to express angry. EMDR is one method of releasing what is held inside.

If we take into consideration the whole picture including diet, health, and awareness of the thoughts that are influencing us in the moment, we can begin to restore a sense of well-being, and interest in life once again.

Freda Salamy, MFT, a licensed psychotherapist and graduate of the California School of Integral Studies. She integrates the mind, body and spirit in her approach to working with clients. Her back ground as an EMDR therapist, a Holistic Health practitioner, a Life coach, and years of a meditation and mindfulness practice shines through in her work with clients. She has a private practice in San Francisco, Ca.

Contact Number (415) 835-2171