EMDR for Trauma Therapy

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a heavily researched, effective form of therapy for the treatment of trauma and stressful life events. The function of EMDR is to help your brain process distressing memories, thoughts, and feelings in such a way that they no longer cause pain and suffering. As opposed to traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t explicitly attempt to change your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Rather, it treats the traumatic memories that sit at the heart of your negative thoughts and emotions, releasing you from their intensely held grip.

We’ll walk together through an 8-phase protocol during which you will hold the distressing memory in your thoughts while at the same time attending to a form of bilateral stimulation such as side to side eye movements or tapping either side of your chest or knees. As we progress through the protocol, you will be actively fortifying your brain’s ability to process the upsetting memory without automatically triggering your body’s natural fight, flight, or freeze stress response. While “fight or flight” is naturally self-protective in the immediacy of the traumatic moment, it can also get in the way of normal healing - essentially, you get stuck. EMDR can help you to get un-stuck and allow you to find freedom from those distressing memories and negative self-talk. For a bit more info on EMDR, check out my blog post here.

Check out this video produced by EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), the governing body for EMDR therapy, for further discussion of what EMDR is all about.

EMDR is an effective tool for the treatment of a wide variety of issues. Our trauma therapists are here to help, reach out today for an initial consultation.

Ready to feel better? We look forward to meeting you.

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