EMDR

What is EMDR? 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach designed to help individuals process and recover from traumatic experiences. Developed in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro, EMDR integrates various therapeutic techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and somatic approaches. The core component of EMDR involves guided eye movements (or other forms of bilateral stimulation) that facilitate the processing of distressing memories, enabling clients to reframe their experiences and reduce associated emotional distress.

Why does EMDR work?

EMDR is based on the premise that trauma can disrupt the brain's natural ability to process information. When a traumatic event occurs, the brain may store these memories inadequately, leading to persistent emotional and psychological distress. EMDR helps by using bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements—to activate both hemispheres of the brain. This process mimics the natural eye movement that occurs during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, a state associated with memory processing. By facilitating this dual processing, EMDR allows clients to access and reprocess traumatic memories, leading to reduced symptoms and improved emotional well-being.

What does EMDR treat?

EMDR is primarily known for its effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, its applications extend beyond trauma-related conditions. EMDR has also been shown to be beneficial for individuals experiencing anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, complex trauma, grief and loss, and various other emotional challenges. Many clients report significant improvements in their symptoms and overall mental health after undergoing EMDR therapy, making it a valuable tool in the mental health field.

EMDR is a powerful therapeutic approach that aids in the processing of traumatic memories and the alleviation of associated symptoms. If you're considering EMDR as part of your mental health journey, your therapist will guide you through the process, ensuring that you feel supported and understood every step of the way.

Why I use EMDR as a Therapist and Client

As a therapist who has faced my own traumas, I've found that traditional talk therapy, self-help books, and confiding in friends often fell short in reducing my emotional responses and triggers. My life felt like a never-ending cycle centered around a specific struggle. After a few years relying solely on talk therapy, I decided to incorporate EMDR into my own healing journey, and it truly transformed my life. I noticed a significant shift in how I reacted to triggers, allowing me to approach life with a newfound sense of neutrality.

Once I became trained in EMDR, I witnessed remarkable changes in my clients as well. One client, in particular, came to me eager to launch her small business, better manage her work-life balance, and be more present for her family. Like many of my clients, she had a history marked by emotionally unavailable parents and emotional neglect, leading to self-doubt, a tendency to overachieve for love and acceptance, perfectionism, and weak boundaries. She was teetering on the brink of burnout. After six months of weekly EMDR sessions, she excitedly shared that she had begun taking steps toward starting her business. By the end of our work together, she reported an impressive 90-95% improvement in her symptoms.

While no therapist or therapy can predict your individual results, it's important to note that EMDR therapy is an evidence-based treatment for a variety of conditions beyond just trauma.

A picture of a tool used to simulate bilateral stimulation through gentle vibrations. Clients hold one green tab in each hand while the therapist controls the speed, frequency, and duration of the bilateral stimulation setup.