EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a powerful, evidence-based therapy that helps your brain process traumatic memories so they no longer trigger overwhelming emotional and physical reactions in the present.
What Is EMDR?
EMDR was discovered in 1987 by psychologist Francine Shapiro and has since become one of the most researched and effective treatments for trauma and PTSD. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to talk in detail about the traumatic event or complete homework between sessions.
The therapy uses bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements, but also tapping or sounds) while you briefly focus on traumatic memories. This activates your brain’s natural information processing system, similar to what happens during REM sleep. The traumatic memory gets reprocessed and stored differently, losing its emotional charge and visceral impact.
After EMDR, you still remember what happened, but it no longer feels like it’s happening now. The memory becomes integrated as part of your past rather than continuing to intrude on your present.
The Eight Phases of EMDR
1-2. History & Preparation
We gather your history, identify target memories, and teach you self-soothing techniques to ensure you feel safe throughout the process.
3. Assessment
We identify specific aspects of the target memory including the visual image, negative belief, emotions, and body sensations.
4. Desensitization
Using bilateral stimulation while focusing on the memory, your brain begins reprocessing. You notice what comes up without effort.
5. Installation
We strengthen positive beliefs about yourself related to the memory, replacing negative core beliefs that developed from trauma.
6. Body Scan
Check for any remaining physical tension related to the memory and process until your body is relaxed when thinking about the event.
7-8. Closure & Reevaluation
End the session feeling calm and grounded. Next session, we check progress and identify any remaining work needed.
What EMDR Treats
While EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, research has shown its effectiveness for many other conditions rooted in disturbing life experiences:
Trauma & PTSD
Single-incident trauma, complex trauma, childhood abuse, combat trauma, assault, accidents
Anxiety Disorders
Panic disorder, phobias, generalized anxiety, performance anxiety, test anxiety
Depression
Especially when rooted in past painful experiences or loss
Chronic Pain
Phantom limb pain, psychosomatic pain with traumatic origins
Grief & Loss
Complicated grief, traumatic loss, unresolved bereavement
Addictions
Targeting trauma that drives substance use and self-destructive behaviors
What Makes EMDR Different
- You don’t need to describe traumatic events in detail
- Results often occur more quickly than traditional talk therapy
- No homework assignments between sessions
- Works with your brain’s natural healing processes
- Effective even for memories you can’t fully recall
- Recognized by WHO, APA, and VA as evidence-based treatment
Heal from the Inside Out
Your brain has an innate capacity to heal from trauma, but sometimes traumatic memories get stuck in a way that prevents natural processing. EMDR helps your brain do what it’s designed to do, freeing you from the grip of past experiences. Memories that once overwhelmed you can become simply part of your history, no longer dictating how you feel in the present.