Suzabelle Janicek
EMDR is a powerful approach to psychotherapy that has helped an estimated two million people of all ages to find relief and recovery from post-traumatic stress. Local therapist Suzabelle Janicek is in the final month of completing training at Midwest EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) that now qualifies her to begin scheduling and preparing clients for treatment.
EMDR was originally designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. In addition to post-traumatic stress, research has noted success in treating conditions including, but not limited to: anxiety, depression, eating disorders, panic attacks, phobias, pain disorders, grief and more.
EMDR is a highly safe and sought-after therapeutic practice. In fact, the Department of Defense/Department of Veterans Affairs Practice Guidelines have placed EMDR in the highest category, meaning that it is recommended for all trauma populations at all times. Additionally, the World Health Organization (2013) has stated that EMDR is one of only two psychotherapies recommended for children, adolescents, and adults with PTSD. It has also been noted that EMDR does not involve (a) detailed descriptions of the event, (b) direct challenging of beliefs, (c) extended exposure, or (d) homework.
The training of an EMDR therapist requires steps early on in resourcing the client and careful assessment to ensure the client is fully prepared for treatment, prior to beginning the process. These measures are specific to each individual and are practiced to maintain the stability of individual throughout the therapeutic process. Without this type of preparation, there is a likelihood of a client being re-traumatized and left without a means of stabilizing him or her.
It is widely assumed that severe emotional pain requires a long time to heal. Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy, people can quickly experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference. EMDR therapy reveals that the mind can, in fact, heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma and is documented as a shorter, cost effective treatment.
Janicek’s training was the result of a grant awarded to Oshki Ogimaag School by the North Shore Healthcare Foundation, and an additional grant from Higher Education to cover costs associated with participating in an out of town training.
She currently offers a variety of therapeutic services including Art Therapy along with a broad understanding of Somatic Experience and trauma recovery. Her experience includes private practice as well as direct care and group facilitation in hospital and educational settings that include Allina’s Mercy Hospital Behavioral Health and Park House an AIDS/HIV day health center as well as Waldorf Education. She has also provided private consultation in Autism Spectrum Disorder recovery using the “DAN protocol.” She carries two master’s degrees and is a registered art therapist with Art Therapy Credentials Board as well as Reike Certified in Levels 1 and 2. Janicek is now scheduling assessments and resourcing for EMDR services as an additional modality in her current practice and can be reached at 651-491-6585. She is able to meet with individuals in both Grand Marais and Grand Portage offices.
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