EMDR
— Eye Movement
Desensitization Reprocessing
What does EMDR stand for and what is it?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing. EMDR was discovered and developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. EMDR is recognized as an effective psychotherapy method for treating individuals who suffer from trauma and other distressing life experiences, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, panic disorders, and grief/loss.
How does it work?
When we experience events in our lives that cause any type of negative disturbance, that experience may become locked in our brain and body and not processed and put away like our more positive experiences. When something triggers that memory, you may notice upsetting images, thoughts, emotions that cause you to feel more tense and overwhelmed like the event is happening again.
EMDR therapy helps us access these memories to be processed so that natural healing can resume by using bilateral stimulation (BLS). We do this with eye movements, tapping, or audio sounds to create stimulation between both sides of the brain.
The wonderful thing about EMDR is that you don’t have to give all the details about the distressing memories. EMDR is designed to help you process negative life events by letting your brain do the work with less talking.
Can EMDR be done without a trained EMDR therapist?
EMDR should only be offered by properly trained and licensed mental health clinicians. I have completed an EMDRIA approved training program in EMDR therapy which included 40 hours of in-person training and consultation. To ensure my clients that I am providing EMDR therapy that is of highest standard, I engage in continue education courses and trainings on EMDR and have ongoing consultation.
Choose your path towards healing
EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy in the traditional therapy format for those who have time to come in for a weekly or bi-weekly session.
Adjunctive EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy for those who have a primary therapist wanting to accelerate progress by resolving stuck points and enrich their ongoing work together.
Want to find out if EMDR is right for you?
Schedule your free 20 minute phone consultation with me today.