Offering sessions
in-person and via Telehealth
EMDR
(Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a therapeutic treatment aimed at promoting recovery from traumatic symptoms. Acknowledged as the leading treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the effectiveness of EMDR is backed by an expanding collection of peer-reviewed studies across numerous psychological issues. This approach assists individuals in processing distressing memories, thoughts, and emotions associated with their trauma, ultimately providing relief from PTSD symptoms.
How does EMDR work?
Individuals with PTSD often struggle to make sense of their traumatic experiences. EMDR facilitates the processing of trauma, paving the way for healing. During EMDR sessions, you will focus on a rhythmic movement or sound while recalling the distressing memory, which can lead to changes in how you perceive that memory, and allow for the integration of additional past information. EMDR distinguishes itself from other therapeutic approaches by not requiring you to talk about the painful memories in detail. Rather, it leverages the brain's natural ability to heal, redirecting attention from attempts to change the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors linked to the trauma. EMDR facilitates the brain's processing of these memories, allowing the natural healing process to progress.
What can I expect during
an EMDR session?
In the early stages of EMDR, you will explore your physical responses to trauma and develop new coping mechanisms to help alleviate your symptoms. Next, you will choose a specific distressing memory to focus on and identify a negative thought associated with it. You will hold both the memory and the negative thought in your mind while following a moving light back and forth until your level of distress decreases. This process will be repeated multiple times during the session. Afterward, you will shift your attention to a positive belief and feeling while still reflecting on the memory. At the end of the treatment, your symptoms will be assessed to determine if there are any other memories that require further attention.