EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s an evidence-based treatment protocol used to integrate traumatic memories that trigger symptoms in the present.

EMDR does not erase memories, but rather it changes how one feels about what has happened in the past. Individuals often report a feeling of acceptance of an event and sense an increase in perceived distance from the event.

This modality is effective for many different types of trauma including developmental and attachment trauma. It is also known to work on anxiety, chronic pain, and substance use disorders.

EMDR is a multiphasic process that requires resource building, assessment, reprocessing, and “installation” to shift belief systems and traumatic memories. We identify targets related to present symptoms, determine beliefs related to past events, and use bilateral stimulation to integrate memory networks. Bilateral stimulation is a form of sensory input in the form of eye movements, vibrational movements, or auditory stimuli that move back and forth between the two hemispheres of the body.

Researchers highlight the importance of keeping the self connected to the present while playing through scripts from the past in order to shift traumatic experiences.

History Taking: As with any therapeutic modality, we’ll start by exploring your current challenges and identifying your hopes for change. In this phase, we’ll build the therapeutic container so you feel safe to navigate difficult content.

Preparation: As a part of preparation for EMDR, we’ll build your resources through a combination of grounding, containing, mindfulness practices, and visualizations. These resources will help build your window of tolerance and increase readiness for reprocessing.

Assessment and Reprocessing: With increased readiness, we’ll focus on the key experiences we’ve mapped out. I’ll guide you through bilateral stimulation to reprocess the memories and help you find relief.

EMDR has many applications and will look different for each individual. It’s effective for both concrete big T traumas (car accidents, disasters, life-threatening events) as well as little t traumas (attachment trauma, faulty belief systems, emotional neglect). We’ll work together to determine if this the best approach for the work we’ll do together. Many times I’ll employ a variety of approaches to support your unique lived experiences.