Eye Movement and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach designed to help people heal from distressing life experiences and traumatic memories. When difficult experiences remain emotionally unresolved, memories of those events can continue to trigger anxiety, fear, sadness, negative beliefs, or other distress long after the experience itself has ended.
EMDR therapy helps the brain process these experiences in a way that can reduce their emotional intensity and allow them to be remembered without the same level of distress. Unlike some forms of trauma therapy, EMDR does not require repeatedly describing every detail of a painful experience.
What Can EMDR Help With?
Although EMDR was originally developed for the treatment of trauma and post-traumatic stress, it has increasingly been found to be helpful for people struggling with anxiety, panic, grief, disturbing memories, painful relationship experiences, and other events that continue to affect emotional well-being.
What is EMDR Therapy Like?
EMDR begins with taking time to understand your history, current concerns, and treatment goals. Before processing difficult memories, we work together to develop resources and strategies to help you feel prepared and grounded.
During EMDR processing, you are asked to briefly focus on selected aspects of a distressing memory while engaging in 3 modes of bilateral stimulation: eye movements following a light bar, hand pulsars, and auditory tones. The process is carefully paced, and you remain awake, aware, and in control throughout the session.
Is EMDR Right for Me?
EMDR is not necessarily the right approach for every person or every concern. We will talk together about your history, symptoms, goals, and readiness for trauma-focused work before deciding whether EMDR may be appropriate for you. When EMDR is used, it is incorporated into an individualized treatment plan rather than approached as a one-size-fits-all technique.
If you would like to discuss whether EMDR therapy may be a good fit for your needs, please feel free to contact me.