What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from different treatment approaches.

Trauma can mean different things to different people. The traumatic events that you experienced might not be like the traumas we see on TV. Trauma is best defined as anything that was devastating or life changing when it happened, and it still causes an emotional or physical reaction when you think of it now. EMDR is an evidence based model of treatment that can help reduce or eliminate much of the trauma response.

How does EMDR work?

EMDR therapy is an integrative psychotherapy and uses a technique called bilateral stimulation to repeatedly activate opposite sides of the brain. Therapists often use eye movements to facilitate the bilateral stimulation. These eye movements mimic the period of sleep referred to as rapid eye movement or REM sleep, and this portion of sleep is frequently considered to be the time when the mind processes the recent events in the person’s life.

EMDR seems to help the brain reprocess the trapped memories is such a way that normal information processing is resumed. Therapists often use EMDR to help clients uncover and process beliefs that developed as the result of relational traumas, or childhood abuse and/or neglect. For a more detailed explanation please visit EMDR International Association.

What does EMDR help?

EMDR had been originally established as helpful for PTSD, although it’s been proven useful for treatment in the following conditions:

• Panic Attacks
• Complicated Grief
• Dissociative Orders
• Disturbing Memories
• Phobias
• Pain Disorders
• Performance Anxiety
• Addictions
• Stress Reduction
• Sexual and/or Physical Abuse
• Body Dysmorphic Disorders
• Personality Disorders

None of the above symptoms or experiences fit you?

Do you experience distressing emotions that appear to you, and perhaps to others, to be excessive given the current situation? Do you tend to be highly reactive to certain triggers? Is there one or more dysfunctional belief that you believe about yourself that on an intellectual level you know is not true?

We offer several options for EMDR Therapy

​EMDR Traditional Sessions

EMDR Traditional Sessions are available to clients who have the flexibility in their schedule to commit to weekly appointments. This treatment option, weekly 50-55 minute, option allows for ongoing support for clients who want a slower pace working through their trauma. 

EMDR Intensives

Our EMDR Intensives often provide quicker relief from symptoms compared to traditional talk therapy. Intensives are particularly effective for trauma-related issues, offering clients innovative ways to process and heal from traumatic experiences. Additionally, it provides a more personalized treatment plan that caters to your unique needs and conditions.

EMDR Adjunctive Services

Our EMDR Intensives is an excellent option for your clients if you are not trained in specialized modalities. Referring to therapists, like myself, who provide EMDR, IFS, and Brainspotting can be an integral part of a holistic approach to mental health care, benefiting both the client and the referring therapist in terms of treatment efficacy, professional growth, and client satisfaction.