PLAY THERAPY & PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING SERVICES
Our stories are filled with joy, bliss, and triumph—falling in love with your lifelong partner, the birth of your child, or that promotion that skyrocketed your career.
But naturally, our paths are also marked by fear, pain, and valleys.
You may lose a loved one, endure abuse, or witness a violent episode. You might have been neglected as a child or survived a catastrophic accident. And while you can process and recover from these traumatic events, sometimes they might linger, leaving a trace of distressing effects.
EMDR can HELP YOU RELEASE the PAIN FROM PAST and ongoing TRAUMA.
The weight of trauma may affect your ability to function and enjoy your life. But it doesn’t define you or dictate your future. It’s only part of your experience and what makes you human.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR Therapy, is a treatment designed to help you process unresolved memories and recover from trauma.
You don’t have to keep carrying the “bricks” of trauma. We can help you find ease and rebuild a loving “home.” If you, your teen, or your child are struggling with the debilitating effects of trauma, we are here to support you.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a therapy that aims to de-condition the body from reacting to traumatic material that our brains have repressed. Sometimes trauma is easily recognizable and sometimes it is harder to identify. We are trained to notice trauma and its effects, and use EMDR to provide you with relief. EMDR is most commonly recommended for PTSD, but is helpful for a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, phobias, panic disorder, sleeping issues, and OCD.
What is trauma?
Trauma is your reaction to a life-threatening or unsettling event. This response can be immediate or build up over time, leading to damaging consequences if not resolved.
Some of the experiences that may cause trauma include:
- Bullying or humiliation
- Childhood neglect or abandonment
- Discrimination or oppression over race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or culture
- Loss of a loved one
- Motorized accident (e.g., car, train, plane, boat, machinery)
- Natural disasters
- Physical, emotional, or mental abuse
- Severe medical condition or injury
- Violent attack or criminal act
- Warfare or combat activities
- Witnessing someone else go through a traumatic incident
Some of these events may seem “bigger” than others, yet they all have the potential to leave open wounds or unhealed scars behind.
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What is post-traumatic stress?
When you go through a traumatic experience (e.g., a house fire), your nervous system may trigger a fight, flight, or freeze response to keep you safe. You might do everything you can to contain the flames, run out of the house to an outdoor area, or stay put and wait for help. As you try to protect yourself from danger, you may experience distressing thoughts, emotions, and sensations.
Once the fire is out and safety is restored, your mind and body may start to settle and eventually calm down. Yet, sometimes, people endure long-term physical, emotional, and mental consequences of the traumatic episode, also known as post-traumatic stress. This means that certain triggers (e.g., fire, smoke, fire truck siren) may bring back recollections of the incident and spark the same reaction.
What is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)?
When you go through a traumatic experience (e.g., a house fire), your nervous system may trigger a fight, flight, or freeze response to keep you safe. You might do everything you can to contain the flames, run out of the house to an outdoor area, or stay put and wait for help. As you try to protect yourself from danger, you may experience distressing thoughts, emotions, and sensations.
Once the fire is out and safety is restored, your mind and body may start to settle and eventually calm down. Yet, sometimes, people endure long-term physical, emotional, and mental consequences of the traumatic episode, also known as post-traumatic stress. This means that certain triggers (e.g., fire, smoke, fire truck siren) may bring back recollections of the incident and spark the same reaction.
Do I need EMDR therapy? Does my child need EMDR therapy?
Common signs of post-traumatic stress include:
- Avoiding people, places, or anything that reminds you of trauma
- Constant state of vigilance and fear
- Excessive worry or nervousness
- Flashbacks or nightmares about the traumatic incident
- Guilt or shame
- Helplessness or self-esteem issues
- Intrusive thoughts or emotions about the experience
- Lack of energy, focus, and motivation
- Mood swings or irritability
- Sleep problems
While EMDR is mostly used to address trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it’s also an effective approach to treat other conditions, such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic attacks and panic disorder
- Phobias
- Sleep problems
If you or your child are experiencing any of these conditions or signs of post-traumatic stress, EMDR Therapy can provide relief.
HOW can EMDR Therapy in New Jersey help?
EMDR therapy can help you or your loved one:
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Examine Trauma
You may be experiencing draining symptoms, but you may not know where they stem from or what they mean.
The first step of EMDR therapy involves discussing your history, disturbing experiences, and current stressors. We will help you or your child explore your trauma to understand how it may impact your daily life. And we will use this information to design a treatment plan with specific target memories and goals.
Gain Coping Skills
We will teach you strategies to cope with symptoms and potential distress that may surface during treatment. This includes breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, and relaxation techniques.
Remember, you are not alone in this!
We will explain how the process works, answer your questions, and support you along the way.
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Reprocess memory + Alleviate symptoms
You will select a target memory and identify its components: mental images, thoughts, emotions, and body sensations. You will also choose a positive belief to replace the negative aspects of your memory.
Next, we will ask you to concentrate on your memory as we guide you through sets of bilateral stimulation. You will have the opportunity to share any undesired thoughts, feelings, or sensations that come up.
Then, you will focus on the chosen positive belief as you go through further rounds of stimuli, until you successfully reprocess the memory. The goal is to change how the memory is stored and ease the distressing response associated with the traumatic event.
the LOVE PLAY GROW Approach
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Look for STRENGTHS
We start by recognizing and celebrating the inherent strengths within each individual and family. Our therapists observe and identify the positive attributes, talents, and coping mechanisms that are already present.
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Identify WEAKNESSES
Acknowledge and address challenges and weaknesses in a supportive and non-judgmental manner by creating a safe space for children and families to express their concerns and vulnerabilities.
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Build SKILLS where it's HELPFUL
We work collaboratively with children and families to develop and enhance coping mechanisms, communication skills, and emotional regulation tools based on strengths & challenges.
Schedule your get started call today!
Where Love and Play Nurture Growth, Together, Through Every Stage of Life
GET STARTED with EMDR
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get started at love play grow
Schedule Get Started Call
15-20 min call where we collect information about you or your child and get your initial session scheduled.
Attend Initial Session
EMDR Therapy starts with an initial meeting, where we get to know you or your child and discuss your goals.
Following Sessions
Treatment may last between six to 12 sessions, depending on your progress. Sessions are generally scheduled weekly and may involve the attendance of caretakers.
EMDR Therapy in New Jersey at Love Play Grow
We offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR Therapy, to children, teens, and adults living in New Jersey, including Wayne, Pequannock, Pompton Plains, Oakland, Glen Ridge, Montclair, Ridgewood, Kinnelon, Montville, and other nearby areas.
We tailor this mind-body method to your unique journey, incorporating play as a creative avenue to heal. Our goal is to deliver kind and reliable care so you can gain valuable skills and enhance your quality of life.
Get Started with Play Therapy & Professional Counseling
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Book a Get Started Call
Schedule a 15-minute Get Started Call to learn more about which service(s) would be best for you and your family.
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Get Familiar with Our Process
During your get started call, we will answer questions, review our process, and schedule the initial sessions.
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Attend the Initial Sessions
Your therapist will get to know you and your family and offer a supportive plan to help you and your family reach your goals.