Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

The past does not have to dictate your future

Maybe you experienced a significant loss, ongoing challenges with someone in your life, or another difficult situation. You’ve tried moving forward on your own, but for some reason, you can’t - you feel stuck. You might have sorted through things with your friends, tried talk therapy, or read self-help books. Maybe you even understand what happened, but you can’t shake the bad feelings that remain. You want to move forward and can’t figure out what’s holding you back.

Maybe you’re noticing:

  • You’re used to being the go-to person, the one who gets things done. But now you’re preoccupied, exhausted, and struggling to meet your day-to-day responsibilities. You don’t feel like yourself.

  • You’re worried that your loved ones are tired of hearing you analyze the same information over and over. Talking about it doesn’t seem to help anyway, though.

  • You’re unable to stay present and enjoy the good things happening in your life right now.

  • Your relationships are strained or suffering. You’re not able to show up for others the way you want to. Maybe you’ve even been snapping at your loved ones, losing your cool, or avoiding your friends.

EMDR can help you reduce the emotional impact of triggers to help you get back to living the life you want.

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

— Francine Shapiro

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a well-known, evidence-based treatment designed to safely release trauma and pain from both your body and mind to help you overcome the lingering effects of traumatic experiences, promoting healing and personal transformation. EMDR is rooted in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, developed by the renowned psychologist Francine Shapiro, PhD, the creator of EMDR. This model recognizes that your brain stores normal and traumatic memories differently.

During normal events, memories are stored smoothly and connected to other related memories. However, during disturbing or upsetting events, this networking process malfunctions. The brain may go "offline," resulting in a disconnect between your sensory experiences and the memories stored in your language-based memory system. When this occurs, memories remain at the forefront of your mind, easily triggered by any reminder.

Traumatic memories are often stored in a way that hinders healthy healing. They resemble an unhealed wound in your brain. Without the opportunity to fully heal, your brain doesn't receive the message that the danger is over. While this mechanism serves to keep us safe, it becomes unhelpful in our everyday lives. EMDR therapy steps in to process these memories and thoughts, allowing for complete storage and replacing negative beliefs with more positive thinking.

How EMDR Works:

  • Gain a deeper understanding of how your past experiences have shaped your thoughts and feelings, and learn how to break free from negative patterns

  • Strengthen your skills for managing stress, anxiety, and challenging situations, so you can feel more confident and in control even in the most difficult of circumstances

  • Overcome limiting beliefs and negative self-talk by realizing and experiencing positive beliefs about yourself, such as your worth, your abilities, and your potential

  • Experience relief from the physical and emotional distress that can result from trauma, helping you feel more relaxed, at peace, and in control of your life

  • Develop a deep sense of self-worth and inner confidence, allowing you to feel more comfortable and confident

How EMDR can help:

My Approach when using EMDR:

My approach to EMDR is centered around your safety, comfort, and overall well-being. I understand that the idea of revisiting past traumatic experiences can be daunting and overwhelming, so we'll proceed at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Alongside EMDR, I may also incorporate other well-researched therapeutic techniques such as Narrative Therapy, Attachment Theory, and Parts work. These techniques can help us better understand the root causes of your distress, and allow us to identify and work through challenges.

 FAQs

Common questions about EMDR

  • EMDR therapy has been found to be an effective treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, including PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), anxiety, depression, and other trauma-related issues. However, as with any form of therapy, the effectiveness of EMDR can vary from person to person.

    During an initial consultation, we will discuss your individual situation and determine if EMDR therapy is a good fit for you. It is important to note that EMDR is not a one-size-fits-all approach and may not be the best option for everyone. Together, we will create a personalized treatment plan based on your unique needs and goals.

    It's also important to keep in mind that EMDR is just one tool in the toolbox of therapy, and may be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment such as talk therapy or medication. Ultimately, the goal is to provide you with the best possible care to help you heal and move forward toward a happier and healthier life.

  • EMDR and hypnosis are two different forms of therapy, although they both involve accessing and working with the subconscious mind. However, hypnosis typically involves inducing a trance-like state in the client, where the therapist makes suggestions to the subconscious mind to create positive change.

    EMDR, on the other hand, involves the use of eye movements, taps, or sounds while the client focuses on traumatic memories, allowing the brain to process them and reprocess them in a healthier way. EMDR does not involve inducing a trance-like state, and clients remain fully aware, conscious, and in control throughout the process.

    While both hypnosis and EMDR can be effective for certain issues, they are not interchangeable and work differently. It is important to discuss your concerns with a therapist to determine which approach may be best suited for your needs.

  • EMDR is used to treat a range of mental health issues, including but not limited to:

    • Trauma and PTSD

    • Anxiety disorders, including phobias, panic attacks, and generalized anxiety disorder

    • Depression

    • Addictions

    • Chronic pain and physical illness

    • Eating disorders

    • Performance anxiety and self-esteem issues

    • Stress reduction and management

    • Grief and loss

    • Relationship issues

    It's important to note that EMDR may not be the best or only treatment option for everyone. If you're considering EMDR, it's a good idea to talk with a qualified mental health professional to determine if it's the right fit for you and your specific needs.

  • The length of EMDR therapy can vary depending on several factors such as the severity of the trauma, the number of traumas experienced, and the individual's progress in processing the memories. Generally, EMDR therapy can range from a few sessions to several months or even longer. Some individuals may notice significant progress after just a few sessions, while others may require more time to fully process and heal from the trauma.

  • EMDR is generally considered safe and effective for most people. However, like any form of therapy, there are potential risks and side effects to consider, though it is important to note that these symptoms are typically temporary and can be managed with the help of a trained EMDR therapist.

    EMDR (and other forms of psychotherapy) may cause some side effects, such as:

    • an increase in distressing memories

    • heightened emotions or physical sensations during sessions

    • lightheadedness

    • vivid dreams

    • the surfacing of new traumatic memories

    • increased confidence

    These symptoms will typically resolve as treatment continues. Clients are encouraged to communicate any experiences they have between sessions to their therapist, so that they can work together to develop strategies for managing potential side effects that may arise. This collaborative approach can help to ensure that the EMDR therapy process is as effective and comfortable as possible for the individual.

  • One way to determine if EMDR is working is by noticing a reduction in the intensity and frequency of distressing symptoms related to past traumas or adverse life experiences. This can include improved mood, decreased anxiety, and a sense of empowerment and resilience. Clients often report feeling more in control of their emotions and behaviors and have greater clarity and insight into their experiences. Ultimately, the goal of EMDR is to help you live a more fulfilling and satisfying life, free from the burdens of past traumas.

  • After an EMDR session, it's important to take care of yourself and give yourself time to process the experience. Some people may feel emotionally drained or physically tired after a session, so it's important to rest and engage in self-care activities such as taking a bath, going for a walk, or spending time with a loved one. It's also common to have vivid dreams or emotional reactions in the days following a session, so it's important to be gentle with yourself and seek support if needed. I will provide you with specific aftercare instructions based on your individual needs and experiences.

  • Yes, according to research online EMDR therapy has been shown to be as effective as in-person EMDR therapy. Many clients and therapists have reported that online EMDR therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy, especially for those who face challenges in accessing in-person sessions due to location or mobility issues.