top of page

EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing

Thoughts, behaviors, choices and perspectives originate from neural pathways in our brains with connection to our bodies. Neural pathways develop to make sense of our world from infancy. These can bring us pain or joy, depending on whether they are for survival or fulfillment and rest. Neuroplasticity is all about the brain’s remarkable ability to change. In EMDR therapy, we tap into those natural, already embedded resources to better experience and manage distressing emotions and the effects of trauma. In essence, we empower each person to take action in their recovery. After all, if the brain can be changed, then so can our lives. Our brains are built for change, which means we have the ability to heal built inside us. As a skilled therapist and guide I'll lead you from threat to thrive.
Person with their hands crossed and laying on their chest

What is EMDR?

EMDR therapy is a treatment designed to help people heal from extremely stressful or traumatic experiences. These experiences exist along spectrums of intensity, frequency, and longevity. Our brains are remarkably resilient and adaptive; however, when experiences push the brain beyond its natural resiliency, it adapts by moving us into “survival mode” to get us through. Amazingly, we survive our experiences, but we often develop problematic, psychological symptoms or harmful coping strategies as a result. EMDR therapy focuses on these “unprocessed” parts of the traumatic memory and reprocesses them until the triggers no longer exist and no longer cause significant distress.

"Trauma is anything the brain  perceives as a threat in any moment." -A.M.

What Does EMDR Treat?

  • Panic attack

  • Dissociative disorders

  • Disturbing memories

  • Phobias

  • Depression

  • Pain disorders

  • Performance anxiety

  • Stress reduction

  • Addictions

  • Sexual, Physical, and/or Psychological abuse

  • Body dysmorphic disorders

  • Personality Disorders

  • Recent or Past Trauma

  • Need for Control

  • Low Self-esteem

  • Work/Life Balance Stress

  • Life Changes

  • Grief/Loss

AND MORE...

Person on the couch hunched over with their phone

How Does EMDR
Reprocessing
Work?

Research suggests that EMDR therapy has a direct effect on the way the brain processes information. Normal information processing is resumed, so following a successful session, a person no longer relives the images, sounds, and feelings when the traumatic event is brought to mind. You still remember what happened, but it is less upsetting or disturbing. EMDR therapy appears to be similar to what occurs naturally during dreaming or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Therefore, EMDR can be thought of as a physiologically-based therapy that helps a person see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way.

bottom of page