What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helps people heal from traumatic or distressing life experiences.
Developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro, it’s now recognized worldwide as an effective treatment for trauma, anxiety, phobias, and other challenging emotional experiences that may be impacting your daily life.
How Does It Work?
Our brains naturally process daily experiences while we sleep, particularly during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.
However, traumatic experiences can overwhelm this system, leaving memories “stuck” in an unprocessed state. EMDR therapy mimics this natural processing mechanism while you’re awake.
During EMDR sessions, you’ll work with your therapist to process difficult memories while following specific eye movements or other bilateral stimulation (like gentle taps or sounds).
This approach helps your brain process distressing memories in a new way, reducing their emotional impact and allowing healing to occur.
The Eight Phases of Treatment
1. Planning and History
We begin by understanding your concerns and developing a personalized treatment plan.
2. Preparation
Your therapist teaches you coping techniques to help manage emotional distress between sessions.
3-6. Active Processing
During these phases, you’ll:
- Identify troubling memories and current distress
- Process these experiences using bilateral stimulation
- Strengthen positive beliefs about yourself
- Notice and release physical tension
7-8. Closure and Progress Check
Each session ends with ensuring you feel stable and grounded. We regularly review progress and adjust treatment as needed.
What to Expect in Treatment
Initial Sessions
We begin with getting to know you and understanding your needs. Your therapist will explain the process, answer questions, and teach you helpful coping techniques you can use between sessions.
During EMDR Processing
Sessions typically last 50-60 minutes. Your therapist will guide you through the process at your own pace, ensuring you feel safe and supported.
You don’t need to share detailed descriptions of your experiences unless you choose to.
Online EMDR
Our online EMDR sessions use secure video platforms and specialized tools for bilateral stimulation.
Your therapist will help you set up everything you need for effective remote sessions.
Research Support
Studies show that EMDR effectively treats various types of trauma and emotional distress.
Many clients report significant improvement within 6-12 sessions, though individual experiences vary.
Is EMDR Right for You?
EMDR might be suitable if you:
- Experience distressing memories or emotions
- Feel stuck in patterns related to past experiences
- Have tried traditional talk therapy with limited success
- Prefer a treatment that doesn’t require extensive talking about difficult experiences
Our Commitment to Your Care
Your therapist will work closely with you to ensure treatment meets your needs. We maintain the same high standards of care whether you choose in-person or online sessions.
Getting Started
Contact our clinic to schedule an initial consultation. We’ll match you with an experienced EMDR therapist who can help determine if this approach is right for you.
Whether online or in-person, we’re here to support your healing journey.
