Discover EMDR

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.

EMDR is a protocol-based form of psychotherapy that integrates elements from a number of treatment approaches. It has been found to be effective and efficient for addressing unresolved psychological and physical symptoms stemming from adverse life experiences. EMDR is recognized as an effective trauma treatment by many organizations including the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, the National Alliance on Mental Health, the World Health Organization, the American Psychiatric Association, and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. Developed by Francine Shapiro in the 1980s, EMDR is designed to stimulate and allow the brain to heal by neurologically adapting toward states of resolution. EMDR therapy aims to alleviate the distress of conditions associated with traumatic memories such as post-traumatic stress disorder, including acute, chronic, and complex variations. EMDR accelerates healing by creating structural change at the neurological level.

Learn more here.

What is Trauma?

Trauma can be understood as any experience that overwhelms an individual’s capacity to cope. What is traumatic for one person may not be for another and is influenced by a number of factors including a person’s access to caring and attuned support after the incident. EMDR can be utilized for the whole spectrum of trauma, from major or single incident traumas to more subtle traumas or complex trauma.

Trauma may manifest as:

• Chronic depression and anxiety

• Feeling like you’re stuck in high or low gear - always on the go or shut down and disconnected

• Behaviour related to anything having to do with the experience

• Intrusive memories or flashbacks

• Nightmares and disturbed sleep

• Hyper-vigilance and constantly feeling on edge

• Lapses in memory and difficulty concentrating

• Negative emotion toward self, others, or the world

• Agitation, irritability or angry outbursts

• Fatigue and chronic body issues

• Patterns of dissociation

• Difficulty feeling positive emotions and connection to others

How does EMDR work? How does it help me?

EMDR utilizes our brain’s capacity for neuroplasticity to reorganize itself by strengthening existing and forming new adaptive neural connections, impacting our patterns of responses, moods, and thinking. EMDR stimulates adaptive information processing by activating both sides of the brain through simple and noninvasive techniques, allowing the brain and body to effectively metabolize these experiences. The result is an often rapid reduction of painful emotions, distancing or disconnection from associated images and aspects of the memory itself, as well as resolution of somatic complaints associated with the experience.

Attachment-focused EMDR supports the repair of attachment wounds and unmet developmental needs from early childhood trauma. These are often caused by chronic misattunement, absence of care, neglect, or abuse. These interpersonal injuries tend to be rooted in relationships with caregivers but create our blueprint for relationships throughout life. We can begin to make sense of and work to untangle unhelpful patterns in interpersonal relationships that are rooted in attachment or interpersonal trauma.

Further, when humans experience trauma we make meaning of it. This strategy for self-protection is at the root of the negative beliefs so many of us carry. You can think of this belief system as an operating system running outdated, glitchy, rigid, and problematic programs. When the trauma is metabolized the individual’s belief system is effectively rebooted. This allows for deep and sustaining perspective shifts freeing us up to connect with our most authentic selves and relationships.

EMDR allows the past to stay in the past, so that you can be present for your life and relationships. It does not erase what has happened to you, but it can change your relationship to your experience as well as how you feel about yourself and the world as a result.

What is EMDR like?

EMDRIA gives good insight into the process here. Learn more about EMDR Intensive sessions here.

What kinds of results or growth may I expect to feel and experience?

Clients consistently tell me they feel lighter, like they have more space, relief, a greater sense of peace and calm, self-compassion, self-confidence, self-worth, and even pride for how they have managed despite their hardships. They describe a greater sense of empowerment, ownership, and agency in their lives. They discover they are able to slow down and choose their response versus living in a place of activation and reactivity. They are able to experience feelings of safety and experiment with vulnerability, increased intimacy, and connection in safe relationships. EMDR, in the context of a supportive and safe therapeutic relationship, can help somebody move beyond surviving their trauma to thriving.

Is EMDR right for Me?

There’s a good chance. EMDR is especially effective to accelerate healing for people who have suffered trauma in all its forms, as well as those who suffer from anxiety and depression. Learn about how I support clients with my approach to therapy here.

How long does treatment take, and when will I notice improvements?

Every person is unique, as are every person’s experiences. People process at different rates and have varying degrees of severity and complexity. You may get what you need after one or two sessions if you are dealing with a single event trauma, a less complex issue, or if you have limited resources and just want to accomplish what you can accomplish in one or two intensives. Increased complexity generally necessitates a longer treatment time. With that said, many people notice systemic changes within the first couple of intensive sessions with cumulative effects as we progress with treatment. 

As EMDR is an investment, I offer personalized treatment programs within the container of this highly focused therapy as per each individual’s needs and goals. Depending on your circumstances, needs, and preferences, we chart a course forward to optimize your healing journey.

What is resourcing in EMDR?

Resourcing bolsters existing and/or creates new adaptive internal strategies or experiences to strengthen, soothe, empower you to cope or navigate difficult situations in and between sessions. Resources can be customized for your specific needs.

I need more information.

Check out this research overview and these frequently asked questions about EMDR.