All about EMDR

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), is an extensively researched, effective model of psychotherapy proven to help people recover from mental health concerns.

EMDR is rooted in the Adaptive Information Model, which posits that trauma is stored and stuck in our brains neural network.  If the system is blocked or imbalanced by the impact of the memory/events it can lead to significant emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical suffering (intense emotions, thoughts, flashbacks, intrusive images). 

Using detailed protocols and procedures learned by clinicians trained in EMDR therapy, clinicians help you activate your natural healing processes. The difficult experience is still remembered, but the fight, flight, or freeze response from the original event is resolved. To support the brain in resuming its natural healing abilities EMDR therapists use bilateral stimulation (BLS) in the form of eye movements, pulsars, tapping, and/or auditory beeps to support with processing. EMDR trained therapists incorporate other treatment modalities such as Ego-State Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Therapies, and Somatic Focused Therapies to support with processing.

EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or require completing homework between sessions. EMDR therapy may be used within a standard talking therapy, as an adjunctive therapy with a separate therapist, or as a treatment all by itself. After successful treatment with EMDR therapy, affective distress is relieved, negative beliefs are reformulated, and physiological arousal is reduced.

EMDR is an 8 Phase Model of Therapy that includes:

  1. History and Treatment Planning

  2. Preparation

  3. Assessment

  4. Desensitization

  5. Installation

  6. Body Scan

  7. Closure

What can emdr help me with?

EMDR can support with so many different issues, however, below are a list of concerns that I have training and interest in working with.

  • Recent traumatic event

  • Difficulty managing emotions (anger, jealousy, sadness etc)

  • Performance enhancement for athletes, leaders, professionals, creatives

  • Chronic pain, chronic illness and medical issues including medical trauma

  • Trauma that stems from relationships (childhood and/or adulthood)

  • Dissociative disorders

  • Personality disorders

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

  • Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

  • Operational Stress Injury

  • Violence and abuse

Additional Information about EMDR