EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals heal from distressing memories, trauma, and emotional difficulties. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on the way painful experiences are stored in the brain and helps reprocess them so they no longer feel overwhelming.
About EMDR
When we experience something traumatic, our brain may not fully process the memory, leaving it "stuck" in a way that can continue to trigger distressing thoughts, emotions, and even physical sensations. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds—to help the brain process these memories in a healthier way. Over time, the emotional charge of the memory fades, and you can think about the event without feeling as overwhelmed.
How EMDR Works: The 8 Phases
EMDR therapy follows a structured eight-phase approach that ensures you feel safe and supported throughout the process. Each phase builds on the next, guiding you toward healing at a pace that feels right for you.
1. History Taking & Treament Planning
In the first phase, we discuss your background, current struggles, and what you hope to achieve in therapy. We also identify key memories or experiences that may be contributing to distress.
5. Installation
In this phase, we strengthen a more positive and adaptive belief about yourself. Instead of feeling powerless or unsafe, you might begin to internalize beliefs like "I am strong," or "I am safe now."
2. Preparation
Before processing difficult memories, we focus on building coping skills and creating a sense of safety. This may include relaxation techniques, mindfulness exercises, psychoeducation, or grounding strategies to ensure you feel emotionally stable throughout the process.
6. Body Scan
Because trauma can be stored in the body, we check for any lingering physical tension or distress related to the memory. If any discomfort remains, we continue processing until both your mind and body feel more at ease.
3. Assessment
Together, we identify a specific target memory to work on. You'll explore the emotions, thoughts, and body sensations connected to this memory, helping us understand how it is affecting you.
7. Closure
At the end of each session, we ensure you feel grounded and stable. You may practice relaxation techniques or reflect on any insights gained. If a memory is not fully processed in one session, we create a plan to continue working on it safely.
4. Desensitization
This is where the bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds) comes into play. While focusing on the memory, you follow a guided pattern of movement or sound. Your brain begins to reprocess the memory, allowing distress to fade and new, healthier associations to form.
8. Reevaluation
In future sessions, we review your progress and assess whether additional memories need to be processed. The goal is to ensure that the healing from EMDR extends to different areas of your life.
Is EMDR Right for You?
EMDR is widely recognized as an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is also beneficial for anxiety, depression, grief, and self-esteem issues. If you’ve struggled with distressing memories, emotional triggers, or past experiences that still affect you, EMDR may be a powerful tool for healing.
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One of the unique benefits of EMDR is its ability to help reduce negative self-beliefs that may be holding you back. Often, painful experiences can lead to deeply rooted thoughts like “I am unlovable,” “I am not good enough,” or “I am a failure.” EMDR works to reprocess these beliefs and replace them with healthier, more positive ones, allowing you to move forward with greater confidence and self-acceptance.
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Additionally, EMDR differs from traditional talk therapy in that you don’t have to discuss your trauma in detail if you don’t want to. Instead, the focus is on how your brain and body respond to the memory, allowing you to heal in a way that feels safe and manageable.
An Evidence-Based Approach to Healing
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy, supported by extensive research and endorsed by organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD. Studies have shown that EMDR can help people process traumatic experiences more quickly and with long-lasting results.