EMDR

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), as with most therapy approaches, focuses on the individual’s present concerns. However, rather than just talking about it, EMDR uses eye movements and other forms of stimulation to activate the brain’s ability to resolve these concerns.

EMDR uses rapid sets of eye movements to help you update disturbing experiences, much like what occurs when we sleep. During sleep, we alternate between regular sleep and REM (rapid eye movement). This sleep pattern helps you process things that are troubling you. EMDR replicates this sleep pattern by alternating between sets of eye movements (or other types of bilateral stimulation like tapping) and brief reports about what you are noticing. This alternating process helps you update your memories to a healthier present perspective.

EMDR is one of the recommended treatment options for PTSD by the Veterans Association.

EMDR utilizes bilateral stimulation in order to help your brain process events and beliefs. With EMDR we won’t just talk about what’s wrong, we’ll use eye movements and other forms of stimulation to activate the brain’s ability to resolve these concerns.

During the first few sessions, we’ll work together to identify your concerns and understand what has happened. In later sessions, we will alternate between eye movements or other bilateral stimulation and your reports of what is happening as you “free associate.”

No. You don’t have to tell me details of past events to be able to process them. You only need to share what you are comfortable with.

You might. Emotions and sensations may come up during processing; but we will work together to help you safely manage them. Once they are processed, they rarely come back!

No. During EMDR processing, you are present and fully in control.

Like all types of therapy, it depends on the complexity of what brings you to counseling. That being said, EMDR can often help you make steps forward much faster.