EMDR treatment

 Trauma affects everyone.  The brain is a miraculous thing.  It works to protect us, and it truly does learn from past experiences.  While many times, this is helpful in ways we may not even be aware of in our daily lives... there are also times when this is detrimental.  We are a product of our lived experiences.  More specifically, we are a product of the way in which our lived experiences are understood, processed, and stored.  Turns out, if our lived experiences are understood, processed, or stored maladaptively, it can negatively affect our future beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world around us.  This creates difficulties in relationships, at work, at home, or in finding peace.  

Eye Movement Desensitation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence based trauma therapy modality that allows the client to use the brain's inherent desire  to heal.  By engaging in EMDR therapy and using bilateral stimulation (back and forth eye movements or tapping), we are able to guide the brain through a path where healing can happen.  Bilateral stimuation is thought to activate both sides of the brain - the emotional and the rational.  This allows us to view some past experiences in a completely different way than we have before in a safe environment.... creating healing and recovery. 

It is often argued that trauma is processed more quickly through EMDR as compared to traditional psychotherapy.  Additionally, clients report longer lasting more generalized benefits from EMDR as opposed to traditional psychotherapy.   

As an EMDR psychotherapist, I offer a shorter-term EMDR intensive track where clients work with (typically) another established therapist, and who are referred to me (or self-refer) for work related specifically to trauma that has been uncovered in traditional psychotherapy.  Often times, when working with a therapist, you may become stuck in working through some trauma responses and EMDR is a way to assist you in moving forward.  EMDR intensives are typically shorter term and EMDR heavy and are meant to augment regular psychotherapy.  

If you’re wondering if EMDR might be right for you, schedule a consult and we can discuss further!