Dr. Michelle Morrissey of the Morrissey Institute explains how she has adapted EMDR therapy to safely and effectively treat patients with concussions and brain injuries. She details the eight phases of EMDR treatment and shares her approach of clearing small traumas first to create capacity for healing bigger ones.
• Dr. Morrissey has 20+ years of experience as a trauma-informed mental health professional specializing in EMDR therapy.
• Traditional EMDR with fast eye movements are not indicated for people with brain injuries, but there are ways to adapt the therapy.
• Adaptations include slowing bilateral stimulation to match brain oscillation speeds (0.75-1.5 Hz).
• Alternative forms of bilateral stimulation like tapping, auditory tones, or tactile stimulation are safer than eye movements.
• Using "small-T" trauma processing before addressing bigger traumas creates more capacity for healing.
• The brain after injury operates at different oscillation speeds compared to an uninjured brain.
• Depression from brain injury may not respond to antidepressants because of neurological differences.
• Improved diagnostics like diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can now show neural disorganization after concussion.
• EMDR improves sleep, mood, cognitive function, and even physical symptoms like hyperacusis and dizziness.
• Telemedicine EMDR is effective and accessible
If you're interested in finding an EMDR therapist trained in Dr. Morrissey's specialized approach for brain injuries, contact the Morrissey Institute directly for referrals in your area.

Links for Dr. Michelle Morrissey:

The Morrissey Institute Website: https://www.themorrisseyinstitute.com/

Questions to ask Prospective EMDR Therapists: Watch Video
The Morrissey Institute YouTube Channel

EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) website
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