In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) we assume that your thoughts, interpretations, and your behavior influence how you feel. Research has shown that avoiding fearful things, such as places that trigger fear or situations where you have to stand up for yourself, is more likely to increase than decrease anxiety. When you often look at situations from a negative unrealistic attitude, you are more likely to become sad, anxious or angry. During the therapy we look together for a positive, realistic approach with thoughts that can help you overcome that. Together we look at the behavior that gets you into trouble and teach you to react differently in situations that are difficult for you.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR for short, is a therapy for people who continue to suffer from the consequences of a shocking experience, such as an accident, sexual violence or an incident of violence. EMDR was first described more than 25 years ago by the American psychologist Francine Shapiro. In the years that followed, this procedure was further elaborated and developed into a fully-fledged and effective therapeutic method.

Imaginary exposure is a treatment that involves the therapist encouraging you to relive unpleasant memories of the shocking event (s) repeatedly and for a long time.

You discuss the entire story of the shocking event in detail with the therapist and write it down if necessary. Using this story, the therapist initially exposes you to these memories repeatedly and for a long time. Regular and long-term exposure to painful memories gradually reduces anxiety and adjusts incorrect, unhappy thoughts about the shocking event (s). We sometimes use the term ‘extinction’ for the trauma reactions. Treatment will end when that point is reached.