Eye Movement Densensitization and Reprocessing

EMDR

Open notebook laying on desk with laptop in the back

Sometimes horrible things happen and your brain gets overwhelmed.

It happens so suddenly, but in the blink of an eye you feel like you’ve been transported back in time to your most painful memories.

You want these flashbacks and nightmares to stop, and you’re desperate for a new perspective.

Our brains learn by adding new information to what we've learned in the past. When trauma happens, the memories get “stuck" and past experiences continue to loop instead of getting updated with current information, which is why you may experience nightmares and flashbacks. EMDR helps your brain update your experiences to a healthier present perspective.

It seems like the past is right here, right now, even though you're working so hard to put it behind you.

Every day is a struggle. Everything feels harder than it needs to be. You may have been told to "lighten up" because "little things" really throw you. It seems like everybody else is able to handle stress, you can't. It's like you've got nothing left.

You've been weighed down by feeling unsafe, or like everything's your fault, or you're unworthy... even though you know better, at least in your head.

Knowing something in your head is a whole lot different than knowing it in your heart. EMDR can help you "know" things at a different level.

EMDR helps you to understand how and why you've developed certain beliefs about yourself and helps you to gain new insights and a new perspective.

Image text reads: "Loving ourselves through the process of owning our story is the bravest thing we'll ever do" - Brené Brown

How EMDR Therapy Works

01. During our initial sessions, I will help you develop use some coping skills.

02. I will create a safe space for you to share about the event(s) that has/have affected you and what you want to change to better understand how I can support you during our time together.

03. We will use rapid eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation during which your brain will work through the experience.

04. Once the disturbing experiences have been updated, we will work together to integrate these new insights and perspectives into your daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, EMDR is a legitimate form of therapy.

    EMDR is recognized by:

    • The American Psychiatric Association

    • The VA and Department of Defense

    • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the Federal Government

    • The World Health Organization