EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy

EMDR is an effective and evidence-based therapy protocol that has been practiced for over 25 years. It is particularly helpful in relieving the symptoms of trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and panic.

When we undergo a traumatic experience, oftentimes the memory feels as though it is “stuck” and has not been fully processed. This can lead to anxiety, overwhelming emotions, disturbing or intrusive memories, and other PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks and a heightened startle response. EMDR helps the brain process and re-file these memories using various therapeutic techniques, including bilateral stimulation (which simply means that we use both sides of the brain). This can be done with eye movement, auditory sounds, or gently vibrating handheld tappers. The 8-phase protocol of EMDR can lead to a safe reprocessing of memories, which can help negative thoughts and memories to dissipate or disappear.

For some individuals, having to consistently recount their story can feel overwhelming and re-traumatizing. One of the wonderful things about EMDR is that it allows individuals to process trauma without having to share the details of their painful memories. 

EMDR can be a safe and effective treatment for “big T traumas” including assault, rape, abuse, car accidents, and natural disasters, and well as “little T traumas”, which could be painful experiences or events that have negatively impacted our sense of self or of our view of the world around us. EMDR is used to treat a wide range of concerns and disorders such as PTSD, panic disorder, anxiety, complex trauma, phobias, negative self perception, and depression.

EMDR Intensive Therapy: Accelerated Healing for Trauma and Anxiety

In addition to offering weekly or bi-weekly EMDR sessions, I also conduct EMDR intensives. An EMDR intensive is a focused, immersive treatment designed to accelerate healing for individuals struggling with trauma, anxiety, PTSD, panic, phobias, and emotional distress. Unlike traditional therapy, which typically occurs on a weekly basis, EMDR intensives involve extended, concentrated sessions —which could range from several hours to a full day — to help clients process deeply-held trauma and negative emotions more quickly.

EMDR intensives can be highly effective for those who want to make significant progress in a shorter period, or for individuals who may have difficulty accessing healing through traditional weekly sessions. Whether you're dealing with trauma, anxiety, or unresolved emotional pain, an EMDR intensive can provide a powerful way to gain relief and move forward with greater resilience.

EMDR as an Adjunctive Treatment

If you are in regular talk therapy and feeling “stuck”, EMDR can be used in conjunction with your regular therapy as a short-term, focused treatment to help you move through specific barriers or obstacles that may arise in treatment. I am happy to collaborate with you and your primary therapist to develop a treatment plan that supports your existing treatment goals.

To learn more about EMDR and whether it is right for you, please reach out for a free 15-minute phone consultation. I am happy to discuss your needs, answer any questions, and collaborate on the best next steps for your therapy.