EMDR Therapy
EMDR is a supportive therapy that encourages the Client to focus briefly on a traumatic experience or generalized emotion related to a traumatic memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation. This combination of experiences, known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is an extensively researched, proven method to help people recover from trauma and the symptoms of PTSD.
What to expect in a session?
EMDR Therapy does not require you to talk in detail about distressing experiences. Rather than rehashing the traumatic event(s), EMDR through the use of bilateral stimulation (typically using gentle eye movement or butterfly tapping) allows your brain to tap into its innate healing process. When first starting, your Therapist will begin by simply getting to know you. This rapport building and history taking process creates a safe emotional container within the sessions. You and your Therapist will collaborate in setting a foundation of not only emotional safety, but also effective coping resources prior to beginning bilateral stimulation and reprocessing. This may take a handful of sessions or may take longer depending on your needs, but is vital to the success of the EMDR work. Sessions typically last 50-60 minutes (unless otherwise discussed with your Therapist) and will go at your pace. EMDR can be effective both in person and via telehealth. The EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) website is a wealth of information including the details of the 8 phase model of EMDR and videos of experiencing EMDR as a Client. We encourage Clients to explore the information provided there and feel free to reach out to us with any questions.
Why EMDR Therapy?
Effective for people of all ages
Extensively Researched and Proven Effective
Targeted for relief of PTSD Symptoms
Healing from trauma without having to relive the details of your traumatic experiences
Who can benefit from EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy helps children and adults of all ages. Therapists use EMDR therapy to address a wide range of challenges:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- PTSD/Trauma
- Grief
- Addiction
- Eating Disorder
- OCD
- ADHD
- Life Transitions
- Relationships
- Stress Management
EMDR Therapy With Children
EMDR is most effective for children and adolescents who have experienced a specific traumatic event with a clear beginning and end, such as a car accident, loss of a loved one, or a breakup. However, it can also be effective for those with chronic and complex trauma. Parents/Guardians are an important part of the process as family dynamics and support can play a key role in the Child’s healing. EMDR can be helpful for diagnoses ranging from PTSD to depression and anxiety.
EMDR Therapy With Adults
In 2017, The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recommended EMDR as a top treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). EMDR is an effective treatment for Clients of all ages and experiences and can be used to treat not only symptoms of PTSD, but also dissociative disorders, substance use disorders, eating disorders, grief and loss, phobias and even performance anxiety.