More than 2.4 million American are plagued by a phobia or panic disorder, according the National Institutes of Health. One recent survey suggested that about five percent of men and 10 percent of women will have PTSD during their lifetime. Fortunately, there are treatments available and one of those, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), is proving exceptionally effective, especially for problems and symptoms emanating from traumatic experiences or other adverse life events.
EMDR is the subject of an upcoming, free presentation, “When Bad Things Happen: An Introduction to EMDR in Treating PTSD,” offered by Richard Gibson, LCSW-C, at UM Shore Regional Health’s Center for Integrative Medicine on Thursday, June 5, at 6 pm.
A psychotherapist specializing in trauma, Gibson treats Mid-Shore residents at the Center and also has a practice in Philadelphia. Over the past 14 years, he has provided EMDR as a therapeutic treatment for more than 400 individuals suffering from PTSD, situational depression and a host of other disorders, including phobias and associated panic disorders.“Although there are other treatments for such problems, I have found EMDR particularly effective, especially when the cause of the problem is not apparent,” Gibson explains.
The benefits of EMDR as a therapeutic treatment are documented by hundreds of research studies. Says Gibson, “I want to give Mid-Shore residents who experience panic attacks or phobias, or have family members suffering from these issues, a chance to learn about EMDR and how it works.”
The presentation is free, but advance registration is required due to limited seating. To RSVP, call the Center for Integrative Medicine, 410-770-9400.
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