What is EMDR?

EMDR, Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is an Evidence Based Treatment aimed at helping the brain work through painful memories so that they no longer feel intrusive and overwhelming.

What does EMDR Look Like?

EMDR uses sight, hearing, or tactile sensations to help the brain process trauma during the session. In my experience, hearing and tactile sensations have worked best, so that is where we will start.

You do not have to "relive" your trauma, we will simply be bringing it to mind through cues within a safe environment - your brain does the rest!

Where do we start?

We do not have to jump into the deep end, nor will I move to any next phase before you are ready! We can start slow, build trust, then when you are ready, we can start processing. Once processing starts, you can choose either your worst or first traumatic memory - or we can start wherever else you would like! The important thing is that you are in control of this process, and I am here to walk beside you in it.

What happens during a session?

First and foremost, we will stay grounded and safe, though admittedly it is a tiring process, but in a good way. As you are processing your traumatic event, you may feel like something finally clicked for you or feel relief you have never experienced before regarding your memory. Unlike most therapy sessions, EMDR is quite a scripted process, one backed by data!

What does the outcome look like?

As you process a traumatic memory, your overwhelming emotion about the event will begin to fade. During this time, your brain will begin to calculate new meanings about the event - ones that are more balanced and provide purpose for you. Once this happens, we will focus on this new meaning and the thoughts surrounding it, until it feels completely true for you. When this phase is over, we will move on to another phase, meant to simulate how you feel once you encounter the memory again in real life and if you feel confident enough to handle it.