Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured evidence-based therapy to help people heal from difficult or distressing life experiences. Our brains sometimes hold onto the memories in a way that feels “stuck,” leaving us with ongoing triggers, anxiety, or negative beliefs about ourselves. EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories to store them in a healthier, more balanced way.
We will create and work through an EMDR treatment plan over several sessions. During an EMDR session, I will guide you to focus on specific thoughts, feelings, or images while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds. This process helps your brain rewire how you remember past experiences. It allows space for new, more supportive beliefs to emerge. EMDR does not require you to retell every detail of your experiences.
Before we begin the bilateral stimulation phase of EMDR, we’ll spend time developing coping strategies and internal resources together. This step is crucial because it helps create a sense of safety and stability before working with difficult memories. You will learn techniques for calming your body, grounding yourself, and managing strong emotions. You can draw on these inner resources during and outside of sessions. These tools ensure that you feel prepared, supported, and in control throughout the EMDR process.
Many people find EMDR effective for reducing symptoms of trauma, anxiety, phobias, grief, and other challenges. EMDR helps lessen the emotional charge of the memories associated with these symptoms, making them feel more manageable and less triggering. Clients often describe feeling lighter, calmer, and more in control after treatment.
I hope this information helps. We can always discuss EMDR further in session.