What is EMDR?
The mind can heal naturally in the same way as the body does.
Francine Shapiro is among a group of prominent innovators who discovered that the body has a natural psychological healing process which helps to deal with day-to-day stresses and minor traumas. This process helps reduce discomfort and enables us to assimilate, learn and grow from new experiences.
Much of this natural coping mechanism has been found to occur during sleep, particularly during that period of sleep when we experience rapid eye movement (REM). In 1987, Francine Shapiro used this insight to developed Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), initially as a treatment for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Since then, EMDR has evolved into a highly effective therapeutic technique for a wide range of problems.
For additional information, visit the EMDR International Association website here.
Meet Our Specialists:
David UitdeFlesch, EMDR International Association Level I & II Institute-Trained Clinician
David is a member of EMDRIA (EMDR International Association). David was trained in the early days of EMDR and has been using it as part of his practice since 2004. He enjoys using EMDR as a primary mode of treatment but also has found it useful to augment other modes of therapy, especially parts work (IFS). As a behavior addiction specialist, David has found that EMDR is very helpful to address underlying trauma that is often a big part of the addict’s life history. He has worked in several different settings over his career but has been at Centennial Park Counseling since August 2013. Learn More About David»
E-mail: duitdeflesch@cpcounsel.net
Deb Crater, EMDR International Association Certified Clinician
Deb is an EMDR Certified Therapist through EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) and is an active member of EMDRIA. She has provided trauma counseling since 2006. She uses EMDR to treat children, adolescents and adults. Deb is also an active member of APT (Association for Play Therapy) including the state and local levels. She has engaged in ongoing training specific to Play Therapy. As an EMDR Certified Therapist she has additional training in providing EMDR to children and has a passion for combining the art of play with EMDR to help children and adolescents navigate trauma treatment in a developmentally appropriate manner. Learn More About Deb»
Email: dcrater@cpcounsel.net
Melissa Wichterman, S.A.F.E. EMDR Trained Clinician
Melissa uses the Somatic and Attachment Focused (S.A.F.E) EMDR approach. Melissa believes this therapy model is so valuable because our body and our senses have memory of our experiences, not only our minds. Through EMDR one can reprocess difficult emotional experiences and address the cognitive, emotional and sensory memories, reprocess them and gain freedom from the pain these memories hold. Learn More About Melissa»
Email: mwichterman@cpcounsel.net
Dr. Andrew Wichterman, S.A.F.E EMDR Trained Clinician
Dr. Wichterman uses the Somatic and Attachment Focused (S.A.F.E) EMDR approach. He believes this therapy model is so valuable because our body and our senses have memory of our experiences, not only our minds. Through EMDR one can reprocess difficult emotional experiences and address the cognitive, emotional and sensory memories, reprocess them and gain freedom from the pain these memories hold. Learn More About Dr. Andrew Wichterman>>
Email: awichterman@cpcounsel.net
Rebecca Holbrook, S.A.F.E. EMDR Trained Clinician
Rebecca is a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor. She obtained her Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. She is passionate about walking along side others in all seasons of life and values coming beside individuals in a relational manner while they repair emotional wounds, restore damaged relationships, seek healing, and strive toward developing a greater sense of wholeness. Learn More About Rebecca Holbrook>>
Email: rholbrook@cpcounsel.net
Kreg Westergren, EMDR Level I & II Trained Clinician
Kreg is a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor who has received Level I & II EMDR International Association Training. He is specialized in EMDR therapy for adult clients. Kreg appreciates the use of EMDR and finds it to be a great therapeutic resort for many clients who have not been able to overcome trauma in their own personal life. He has training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy as well as EMDR Therapy. He specializes in life transitions, anger management, family conflict, anxiety, depression, and trauma. The foundation of this relationship is established on confidence and security. In the end, Kreg’s here to strengthen your mental health and incorporate strategies that you can implement in your daily life. Learn More About Kreg Westergren»
Email:kwestergren@cpcounsel.net
Julie Schalk, MA, LLC, S.A.F.E EMDR Trained Clinician
Julie is a Limited Licensed Counselor with her master’s degree from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. She completed her undergraduate degree at Kuyper College in Youth Ministry. She comes to Centennial Park Counseling from Roots Therapeutic Specialty Services where she developed her clinical skillset as a clinical therapist. Julie is passionate about counseling teens and young adults and it is shown in her previous work with teens, both inner-city and suburban. Julie enjoys counseling adults as well. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR trained), and Play Therapy are her most commonly used therapy types with clients. She aims to continue learning and growing as a clinician and strives to serve each client to the very best of her ability. Learn More About Julie Schalk»
Email: jschalk@cpcounsel.net