Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy designed to help people heal from past trauma and other overwhelming life experiences. It’s been extensively researched and is recognized as an effective treatment for PTSD and related symptoms.
How it works
During an EMDR session, you’ll be guided to briefly focus on a painful memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation—often through eye movements, tapping, or buzzers. This helps your brain process the memory in a way that reduces its emotional intensity. It’s like helping your mind file things away properly, so the past doesn’t feel so present.
What to Expect
EMDR is a collaborative and paced process. In the early sessions, we’ll focus on getting to know your background, building trust, and making sure you feel safe and supported. When we begin reprocessing, the goal isn’t to relive trauma, but to move through it—so you can begin to feel more neutral and grounded when the memory comes up.
Not Just For Trauma
While EMDR is well-known for treating trauma and PTSD, it’s also effective for a range of other concerns like anxiety, depression, phobias, OCD, chronic pain, and addiction. If you’d like to learn more, you can visit the EMDRIA website.