EMDR Therapy

Understanding EMDR Therapy

Think about a cut on your skin. Your body naturally knows how to heal it, but sometimes the wound needs a little help – maybe cleaning or a bandage. Your brain is similar. It naturally knows how to process difficult experiences, but sometimes traumatic events are just too overwhelming, and the processing gets stuck. That's where EMDR comes in.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) uses eye movements or other bilateral stimulation while briefly focusing on a troubling memory or feeling. This back-and-forth motion seems to help your brain process the stuck memory in a new way. It's similar to what happens during dream sleep, when your eyes move back and forth and your brain processes the day's events.

How EMDR Could Help You

EMDR can be particularly helpful if you:

• Find yourself overwhelmed by memories of difficult experiences

• React strongly to certain triggers

• Struggle with anxiety

• Have trouble letting go of past hurts

• Feel stuck in patterns that aren't serving you

• Carry the weight of childhood traumatic experiences

• Are working through grief or loss

What to Expect with EMDR

If we decide to try EMDR together, we'll start slowly. First, we'll make sure you have tools to handle strong emotions and ways to ground yourself when things feel overwhelming. This preparation phase is crucial – like building a sturdy foundation before constructing a house.

When you feel ready, we'll begin the actual processing work. You'll always be in control, and we can pause or slow down anytime you need to. Many clients find that EMDR feels gentler than they expected, though it's normal for emotions to come up during and between sessions.

Remember, EMDR is just one tool in our therapeutic toolkit. Whether we use EMDR, other approaches, or a combination, our work together will always be tailored to what feels right and helpful for you.

The most important thing to know is that healing is possible. I've witnessed it many times in my practice, and I'm here to support you in finding your path forward.

Curious About EMDR Therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapy designed to help people heal from trauma and distressing memories. It uses guided eye movements (or other forms of bilateral stimulation) to help the brain reprocess painful experiences, so they feel less overwhelming over time.

Want to see how it works? Check out these short videos:

Courtesy of EMDR International Association

If you’re wondering whether EMDR might be right for you, let’s talk! Feel free to reach out with any questions.