Emdr TherapyWhat is EMDR?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based therapeutic approach designed to help individuals process distressing memories and experiences. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR is recognized as an effective treatment for conditions such as:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety and panic disorders
Depression
Phobias
Grief and loss
Addictions
Chronic pain
When a disturbing event occurs, it can get locked in the brain with the original picture, sounds, thoughts, feelings, and body sensations. EMDR procedures seem to stimulate the information and allow the brain to reprocess the experience. That may be what is happening in REM or dream sleep. The eye movements (tones, tapping, and other forms of bilateral stimulation) help reprocess the memory and other associated experiences. It is your own brain that will be doing the healing, and you are the one in control.
What to Expect
EMDR can be provided both in person and through telehealth, with research supporting the effectiveness of virtual EMDR. The overall therapeutic process remains consistent regardless of where sessions take place.
Before beginning EMDR, I believe it’s important for us to establish a strong therapeutic relationship and make sure you feel safe, comfortable, and prepared for the process. EMDR involves a great deal of trust between you and your therapist, and we’ll move at a pace that feels manageable for you.
Like other forms of therapy, EMDR is a collaborative process. We’ll check in regularly about how you’re feeling and whether the approach continues to meet your needs. If at any point you decide that EMDR doesn’t feel right for you—or you’d simply prefer to return to talk therapy—we can adjust our approach together. There is never any pressure to continue with a therapeutic approach that doesn’t feel helpful to you.
If you have more questions or want to know more about the process of EMDR, please reach out to me here.