Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

image of potted plant next to sign that says difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations

  • EMDR is an evidence-based therapy designed to help people heal from trauma and PTSD. Research has also shown it to be effective for anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, and addiction.

  • EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, to reduce the emotional intensity and vividness of past experiences.  While it doesn’t make clients forget the memories, it allows the memories to become more distant and they won’t activate through the day-to-day.

  • Is a process that involves side-to-side movements or tapping that helps to reprocess traumatic memories. This process has been shown to help activate the part of the brain that holds memories, allowing clients to notice emotions and thoughts connected to these experiences.

  • Item descThere is no set on how long the process takes. Throughout the process, we make sure that you are keeping connected to the memory and being present in the office.

    EMDR has 8 steps:

    1.      History Taking

    2.      Preparation

    3.      Target Memory Assessment

    4.      Desensitization

    5.      Installation

    6.      Body scan

    7.      Closure

    8.      Reevaluationription

  • EMDR can offer another approach from “traditional talk” therapy that has been shown to help clients get to the root of the issue quickly.

Resources

EMDR International Association. (2022). About EMDR Therapy. In EMDR International Association. https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/