“The past affects the present even without our being aware of it.”

— Francine Shapiro

EMDR.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful psychotherapy technique developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) effectively. EMDR is designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories by utilizing bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, tactile taps, or auditory tones, while the client focuses on specific traumatic events.

The underlying principle of EMDR is that traumatic memories are improperly processed and stored in the brain, causing ongoing distress and symptoms. EMDR works to reprocess these memories, diminishing their emotional impact and empowering clients to develop more adaptive coping mechanisms.

Studies have demonstrated the remarkable effectiveness of EMDR in treating PTSD and other trauma-related conditions. Compelling research findings indicate that EMDR significantly alleviates the intensity of traumatic memories and associated symptoms. Clients consistently report substantial improvements in anxiety, depression, and overall functioning following EMDR therapy.

Contact me today if you want to treat your symptoms with EMDR.

  • After an initial consultation and we have decided together that you are a good fit for EMDR therapy, we will begin working together through the 8 phases of EMDR focusing on 1 event at a time until your distress and symptoms significantly decrease.

  • EMDR is just as effective remotely as it is in person. We will decide on a bilateral stimulation (BLS) that works for you and I will send you a link to the Auditory or Visual form of BLS, or we will discuss Tactile forms of BLS.

    Many clients prefer EMDR at home in a safe environment where they can make their environment as comfortable as possible while processing trauma.

  • The 8 Phases of EMDR are:

    1) History taking: I gather detailed information about your background and traumatic experiences.

    2) Preparation: I help you develop coping strategies and establishes a sense of safety.

    3) Assessment: We identify specific memories and associated negative beliefs to target during treatment.

    4) Desensitization: You focus on the traumatic memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess the memory into a more adaptive framework.

    5) Installation: This phase aims to strengthen positive beliefs associated with the traumatic memory.

    6) Body scan: Checking for any residual physical tension related to the memory.

    7) Closure: I will ensure that you leave the session feeling safe.

    8) Reevaluation: Progress is assessed over time.

  • I recommend 80-minute weekly sessions to maximize your progress and symptom relief; however, 50-minute sessions, either weekly or biweekly, have also shown significant progress at a slower rate.

  • Processing trauma may take more time. Extended sessions allow for uninterrupted work and the processing of multiple memories.

  • Of course! I'm happy to provide EMDR services, and you can still work with your therapist to process the session. If you want me to communicate with your current provider, all you need to do is complete a Release of Information (ROI) form.

    Additionally, you can take a break from talk therapy while you go through EMDR, or choose an 80-minute session if we keep running short on time.