Swansea Center-Psychotherapy

At Swansea Center for Psychotherapy, we are a collaborative of 15 therapists and a prescriber, offering a wide range of services for all aspects of your health and wellbeing throughout the lifespan. Our goal is to help you find balance and be the change you want to see in your life. We take a holistic approach, and we are proud to offer Yoga and Mindfulness classes and workshops in our Swansea Yoga and Mindfulness Studio to supplement your therapy work.

Our Services

We offer therapy for individuals, couples, and families, and we specialize in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). EMDR is a therapy that has been proven effective by research to treat a wide range of challenges. It is a simple collaboration between the patient and therapist, where healing can happen rapidly without the use of drugs or hypnosis. EMDR is effective in treating and relieving challenges such as:

• Trauma
• Fears
• Anxiety
• Childhood trauma
• Phobias
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect
• Verbal abuse
• Rape
• Victims of violent crimes
• Victims of natural disasters
• Post-traumatic stress
• Depression
• Overwhelming fears
• Panic attacks
• Low self-esteem
• Performance and test anxiety

EMDR is most effective when used in conjunction with other traditional methods such as play and art therapy with children, and cognitive-behavioral therapy with adults. EMDR can help strengthen and anchor positive images, emotions, and thoughts.

During your initial session, we will gather a thorough history, and develop and strengthen coping skills and strategies to deal with difficult emotions, thoughts, and memories. The core of EMDR involves focusing on a pre-selected image or remembered sensation while the therapist guides bi-lateral stimulation (eye movements or tapping). The therapist may or may not interject comments, and is simply a guide in the process. After each set of eye movements or tapping, the client is instructed to notice changes in their mind and body without expectations. At the end of each session, time will be devoted to explore the client's experience and prepare for the next session.

When disturbing experiences happen, they are stored in the brain with the sights, sounds, smells, thoughts, and feelings that accompany them. When a person is very upset, the brain seems unable to process the experience in a helpful manner. Therefore, negative thoughts and feelings of the event get trapped in the brain in an unhealthy way. Since the brain cannot process these emotions, a person may experience distress in their lives. The EMDR technique does two very important tasks. First, it "unlocks" the negative memories and emotions. Second, it helps the brain successfully process the experience. As a result, EMDR makes it possible to gain a new perspective that allows empowerment rather than powerlessness in relation to past, present, and future experiences.

We understand that seeking therapy can be a difficult decision, and we are here to help. We strive to create a non-judgmental and supportive environment, where our clients feel comfortable and safe. We believe that everyone has the capacity for growth, and we are committed to helping our clients find balance and achieve their goals.

Our Practitioners

At Swansea Center for Psychotherapy, we have a team of highly trained and experienced therapists and a prescriber. Our practitioners have expertise in various areas, including trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and EMDR. We are proud to serve the Swansea, East Bay, Fall River, Seekonk, and Rehoboth communities in Massachusetts.

FAQs

*What is EMDR?*

EMDR is a therapy that has been proven effective by research in the treatment and relief of a wide range of challenges.

*How does EMDR work?*

EMDR works by "unlocking" negative memories and emotions and helps the brain successfully process the experience. As a result, EMDR makes it possible to gain a new perspective that allows empowerment rather than powerlessness in relation to past, present, and future experiences.

*What challenges can EMDR help with?*

EMDR can help with trauma, fears, anxiety, childhood trauma, phobias, physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, verbal abuse, rape, victims of violent crimes, victims of natural disasters, post-traumatic stress, depression, overwhelming fears, panic attacks, low self-esteem, and performance and test anxiety.

*Is EMDR effective for children?*

Yes, EMDR is most effective when used in conjunction with other traditional methods such as play and art therapy with children.