eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR)
what is emdr therapy?
EMDR is a structured treatment with eight phases that involves specific protocols aimed to help the brain process traumatic experiences and emotionally upsetting events. The primary purpose is to guide the reprocessing and proper storage of memories that might be causing distressing symptoms. This therapeutic method is particularly beneficial in aiding the nervous system's recovery from trauma and other stressful life experiences.
EMDR acts as a caring guide in this process, aiming to reposition these memories within the cognitive framework, reducing their intensity. The goal is to offer individuals a path to tranquility, enabling them to move forward in life with a greater sense of peace, free from the persistent reliving of past challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Our brains possess a natural ability to recover from traumatic memories and events through a delicate interplay between the amygdala (the alert system for stress), the hippocampus (supporting learning, especially about safety and danger), and the prefrontal cortex (analyzing and regulating behavior and emotion). While some stressful events can naturally find resolution, there are instances when the processing gets interrupted – often with that experience being perceived as too fast, too much, or not enough – requiring assistance for proper reprocessing and storage.
Stress responses are ingrained in our fight, flight, or freeze instincts. Lingering distress from a challenging event can create an overwhelming sense of being transported back to that moment, as if time stands still. EMDR therapy steps in to aid the brain in processing these memories, allowing the natural healing process to resume. The memory remains, but the intense fight, flight, or freeze response from the original event finds resolution. For more information, please visit EMDRIA.org.
-
The collaborative journey we embark on is entirely tailored to your unique needs. Our focus will be on achieving your goals, and we'll consistently check in to gauge your feelings about the therapy process and the progress toward your initial objectives. The pace at which we navigate through EMDR is highly individual—some find swift resolution, while others prefer a more gradual journey. Every pace is not just acceptable but also entirely normal.
Clients often experience varying trajectories; some sense fulfillment in reaching their goals and choose to conclude therapy, while others discover new objectives and opt to continue. The duration of our therapeutic partnership will unfold organically through ongoing check-ins. Additionally, I provide the option of 90-minute EMDR sessions, and we can collaboratively decide if this aligns with your preferences and needs.
-
Reach out to schedule a complimentary 20 minute consultation call. We will discuss why you are reaching out and what your hopes are for therapy. I will share with you how I practice as a therapist and together we will determine if we are a good fit. If we are a good fit, we will go forward with scheduling our first appointment. Learn more.