EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapeutic approach used to help people heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. It involves recalling traumatic memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds.
How It Works:
- Memory Reprocessing: EMDR helps reprocess traumatic memories so they are less emotionally charged and more integrated into normal memory networks.
- Dual Attention: The bilateral stimulation allows the brain to process the memory while remaining grounded in the present, reducing its emotional intensity.
- Healing: Over time, EMDR can reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other trauma-related conditions.
EMDR is widely recognized as an evidence-based treatment for trauma and is often used to help individuals move past emotional blocks caused by difficult experiences.
Is EMDR right for you?
If you are here, I’ve discussed EMDR as an option to help you meet your goals for therapy. As long as your screening comes back with no red flags for this approach, we will proceed. The videos I share herein might help you understand more about the process.
Some clients tell me a couple are a bit “infomercial-like,” but I share them for you to determine if they are helpful: Introduction to EMDR therapy, Healing Trauma, Childhood Trauma, Psychedelics & EMDR and Andrew Huberman’s Short. You can also peruse my short article on Trauma Reactions to note any match between your behaviors and what you find therein.
Once we decide we are moving forward with EMDR, there are several documents we will use during your treatment. Please do NOT start using these documents until I give you further instructions with them. Feel free to take a look prior to getting started: