EMDR
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps ease the distress linked to traumatic memories. During sessions, bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds—is paired with recalling difficult experiences, allowing the brain to process them in a way that softens their emotional impact. While it is best known for treating PTSD, EMDR is also used to support individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, and phobias.
Together, I will guide you to get more familiar with this treatment modality especially if this is your first time ever hearing about it. I will explain to you the 8 different stages that EMDR consists of, equip you with resourcing tools, and assess your readiness for the treatment. After we determine together which memory to target first, I will ask you to hold different aspects of that event in mind and start with bilateral stimulation. This process helps calm the amygdala, easing the brain’s fight-or-flight response to distressing memories.
Why EMDR instead of Talk Therapy?
EMDR is commonly used to treat PTSD, anxiety, and depression by helping shift how traumatic memories are experienced, rather than focusing only on talking them through, and it can often bring relief more quickly than traditional talk therapy. Clients are guided to stay grounded in the present while briefly revisiting past memories, allowing them to process the experience in a way that feels contained and safe. Many clients find this “dual attention” experience to be inherently soothing and healing in itself. Additionally, It helps shift negative self-beliefs into more adaptive, positive ones—experienced not just intellectually, but on a deeper, felt level.