EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, integrative approach to psychotherapy that has been extensively researched and shown to be effective for treating trauma. It uses standardized protocols and intentionally weaves in elements from multiple therapeutic methodologies to help the brain process distressing experiences more adaptively.

EMDR is used to address a wide range of concerns. Many clients find EMDR helpful for panic attacks, complicated grief, dissociative symptoms, disturbing memories, phobias, pain disorders, performance anxiety, addictions, stress reduction, and healing from sexual and/or physical abuse. It can also be incorporated in care plans for body dysmorphic disorder and personality disorders, when clinically appropriate. 

EMDR therapy employs a technique known as bilateral stimulation to activate opposite sides of the brain repeatedly. Therapists often utilize eye movements, tapping, or tones as forms of bilateral stimulation (BLS). These eye movements or other BLS techniques mimic the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep, a time when the mind processes recent life events.

Through EMDR therapy, the brain appears to reprocess trapped memories, allowing for standard information processing to resume. Therapists frequently use EMDR to assist clients in uncovering and processing beliefs that have formed as a result of relational traumas or experiences of childhood abuse and neglect.

If you’re curious whether EMDR is right for you, we’re happy to talk through your questions and outline a plan that matches your needs.