What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing is an evidenced-base therapy to heal from trauma and emotionally upsetting events. Counselors use eye movement or tapping (known as bilateral stimulation) so clients may access and process these past events in short increments, while in the safety of the present counseling session. New associations within the brain can be made so clients feel less distress and develop healthy new thoughts and insights.

Who can emdr help?

EMDR started as a treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Scientific research has proven its effectiveness in treating other forms of trauma, such as Complex Development Trauma. Today, EMDR is widely used for treating depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and substance abuse. Clients noticing strong physiological or psychological responses to certain triggers can also benefit from EMDR. EMDR typically allows for a shorter duration in therapy compared to traditional psychotherapy for trauma recovery.

Phases of EMDR Therapy

1. Knowing your History. Treatment Planning.

1. Prepare and Stabilize.

2. Assessment of Target Memory.

3. Desensitization using the bilateral technique (eye movement, etc.)

4. Installation of Positive Belief (using bilateral stimulation).

5. Body Scan (using bilateral stimulation).

6. Closure of Session.

7. Re-evaluate treatment/progress.

What is an Emdr session like?

Clients arrive for their therapy session. Together, the client and counselor identify and event or “target” to reprocess. Clients identify their current level of distress, body sensations, and negative thoughts around the event. BLS, or Bilateral Stimulation, (eye movements or tapping) is then lead by the therapist in 30-90 second increments. The client provides short feedback about connections being made. Clients can expect changes in body sensations and emotions, and old memories or metaphorical images to arise. The goal is for the level of distress to decrease. Then the therapist uses BLS to strengthen a positive belief the client wants to hold in connection to the target event. Finally, BLS is used to ensure the body is free of discomfort surrounding the event. At the closure of a session, new insights are identified. Sessions typically last for 80 minutes.