What to Expect During EMDR Therapy: Before, During, and After a Session

A calm therapy office prepared for an EMDR session with comfortable chairs and natural light

What to Expect During EMDR Therapy: Before, During, and After a Session By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. If you are considering EMDR therapy, you can expect a structured process that begins with preparation, not immediate trauma processing. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is used most often for PTSD and trauma-related […]

What Is EMDR Therapy?

Therapist guides a patient through an EMDR therapy session using eye movement techniques in a calm clinical office

What Is EMDR Therapy? By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. EMDR therapy, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a structured trauma-focused therapy that helps people process distressing memories so the nervous system no longer reacts as strongly or automatically. EMDR does not erase the past. The goal is to reduce the emotional charge, body […]

Foods That Help You Sleep: What to Eat Before Bed

Healthy bedtime foods including oatmeal, cherries, kiwi, nuts, and yogurt that may support better sleep

Foods That Help You Sleep: What to Eat Before Bed for Better Sleep By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. If you are struggling with insomnia, you may wonder whether certain foods can help you sleep better. The short answer is yes. Some foods appear to support healthy sleep, while others can interfere with it. However, […]

What Is Sleep Coaching and Can It Help You Sleep Better?

Adult participating in an online sleep coaching session to improve sleep habits and overall well-being

What Is Sleep Coaching and Can It Help You Sleep Better? By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. You might be wondering, what is sleep coaching and can it help you sleep better? You may have come across the term “sleep coach,” but  what exactly is sleep coaching, and can it actually help you sleep better? For […]

What Is CBT-I? A Complete Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia

Man with chronic insomnia reviewing a sleep journal as part of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I).

What Is CBT-I? A Complete Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. CBT-I for insomnia (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia) is considered the gold standard treatment for chronic insomnia. CBT-I for insomnia helps people identify and change the thoughts, behaviors, habits, and nervous system patterns that contribute to sleep diffisulties. […]

What Causes Chronic Insomnia?

A tired adult sitting calmly in a softly lit bedroom at night, reflecting on chronic insomnia and sleep anxiety

What Causes Chronic Insomnia? By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. Chronic insomnia is usually caused by more than one issue. Anxiety, trauma, PTSD, chronic pain, depression, grief, stress, medication dependence, alcohol use, medical symptoms, and learned patterns of nighttime alertness can all keep the brain and body awake. In many cases, insomnia is the symptom, […]

What Are the Side Effects of Sleeping Pills?

Side effects of sleeping pills shown with common prescription sleep medications

A decade ago, in 2010, the Drug Enforcement Agency spearheaded a nationwide initiative to take back unused prescription medications. This move aimed to heighten public awareness about the potentially lethal implications of prescription drug misuse. Despite these efforts, the prevalence of misuse and its consequences remain concerning.

What Should You Tell Yourself After a Poor Night’s Sleep?

Woman lying awake in bed looking worried after a poor night's sleep while her partner sleeps beside her

By Dr. Charles R. Freeman, Ph.D. What Should You Tell Yourself After a Poor Night’s Sleep? If you slept poorly last night, one of the worst things you can do is start the day with unrealistic expectations. Many people try to motivate themselves by saying, “I’m going to have an incredible day” or “I’m going to […]