I've seen better days than those of late. I can't bear the weight...I wish something would change, because I'm losing faith... Do these words ring true for you? I find that these words are true of many people I meet with in counselling, but particularly those who are struggling with the impact of chronic pain, childhood trauma, and abuse. As Christians, we believe that God is with us in the valleys of life. But I particularly love that this song gives the picture of God is scattering seeds and watering them to grow flowers in the valley. It is a song of immense hope for what can be on the other side of the pain. Using Music To Calm the Anxious Heart For those who enjoy music, one great way to regulate emotions and help calm down your nervous system from a place of heightened anxiety or fear is to listen to a song while slowing your breath. If you want, you can also walk in place or sway from side to side, changing the weight from one foot to the other. This pattern helps focus your attention away from the intense emotion, the slow breathing signals calm and lowers your internal threat response, and the movement helps signal calm to your brain as well. So if you're someone who is struggling with being in the dark valley, whatever that pain might be, take a moment to remind yourself, body, mind, soul, emotions, all of you... that flowers grow in the valley.

The reprocessing phase of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps transform the way traumatic memories are stored in the brain. This phase uses back and forth movements (bilateral stimulation), which can include guided eye movements, taps, or sounds to facilitate the processing of distressing memories. Key Components of the Reprocessing Phase Activation of Target Memory: During this phase, you will focus on a specific traumatic memory while engaging in back and forth movement (bilateral stimulation). This helps activate the memory network associated with the distressing experience. Bilateral Stimulation: The use of back and forth movement (bilateral stimulation) is essential in EMDR as it promotes the brain's natural healing processes. This encourages the integration of the memory, reducing its emotional charge. Processing Distress: As you engage with the memory, you may experience various thoughts, feelings, or images. The therapist will guide you to process these experiences, allowing for you to move through the distress. Positive Cognitions: After processing the memory, you will work on identifying and integrating positive beliefs about yourself. This shift helps to replace the negative self-perceptions often associated with trauma. For example, shifting from "I'm worthless." to "I'm worth caring for." Resolution and Integration: The goal of the reprocessing phase is to achieve a sense of resolution. You will notice a decrease in the emotional intensity of the memory, allowing it to be stored in a more adaptive way. This video shows an EMDR client being guided through the reprocessing stage. Watching this might help reduce fears around the process. The actor-client uses an example of a car accident. Please exercise caution in watching this video if this is a part of your story. Outcome of the Reprocessing Phase EMDR reprocessing can lead to significant changes in daily life. Clients often feel a sense of relief, increased emotional regulation, and a newfound ability to cope with stressors. The reprocessed memories become less intrusive, allowing you to move forward in life with greater peace and resilience.

I really like this video about trauma and it's impact on the brain. It gives a really clear understanding of how your brain is impacted by experiences that you have. Before you watch this video, an important disclaimer: this video uses an illustration of someone going to the police and being misunderstood. If this is a part of your experience, please exercise discretion before watching this video as it may be triggering for you.

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EMDR is the shorthand name for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy.  It is a form of therapy that focuses on reprocessing traumatic memories while stimulating both sides of the brain through eye movements or tapping.  EMDR at Renewal can incorporate Christian faith, if appropriate. EMDR Specialist Trauma Therapy EMDR is the shorthand name for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy. It is a form of therapy that focuses on reprocessing traumatic memories while stimulating both sides of the brain through eye movements or tapping. Evidence for EMDR While it may sound strange, EMDR has a lot of evidence backing it. EMDR is recommended as a trauma treatment by the World Health Organization , American Psychological Association , and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence . You can find even more research into EMDR's effectiveness on the EMDR International website. EMDR in Sheffield There are a few clinicians who do EMDR in Sheffield, including the NHS. If you are not interested in navigating the waitlist for NHS care, private EMDR therapy in Sheffield is a great option. EMDR is a specialist training and can only be offered by those who are accredited by a professional body and have completed the required training and supervision. M.E. Rebello has completed the 3 part EMDR training by EMDR Works and is supervised by an accredited EMDR UK Consultant. This video shows possible bilateral stimulation (back and forth movements) used in EMDR including butterfly taps and a lightbar, the two most popular forms of movements with clients at Renewal. This is a video demonstration of EMDR reprocessing using eye movements. The therapist uses their hands to direct eye movements. You can also use a light bar, buzzers, headphones, or butterfly tapping. Please note that this video discusses a motor vehicle accident.

Online counselling is a good option for many people, especially during Covid-19. It may also be a good option for those who live in remote areas or move overseas and prefer a counsellor who speaks your native language. However, online counselling is not a good fit for everyone... Online Christian Counselling Online counselling is a good option for many people, such as those who live in remote areas or those who move overseas and prefer a counsellor who speaks their native language. However, online counselling is not a good fit for everyone, and your counsellor will discuss whether this is a good option for you during your initial meeting. If you choose online counselling or online EMDR, there are a few things to consider before you begin to help you get the most out of your online counselling experience. Best practices for online counselling Confidentiality The level of confidentiality in online counselling is dependent upon you not being overheard on your side of the call. Find a place to talk that is comfortable for you and where you are unlikely to be interrupted or overheard. Consider using headphones to further help protect confidentiality on your end of the call. Internet If bandwidth is low and the conversation sounds choppy or delayed, please wait for the call quality to resume and repeat your last few sentences to be sure we haven’t missed out on what the other has said. In the unlikely event that the call drops, please log back in using the same link. I will join again as soon as internet connectivity resumes. If internet completely fails, your counsellor will contact you to arrange another suitable meeting time and method.