What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based Trauma therapy that helps people heal by guiding them to process distressing memories in a way that makes them feel more manageable and less overwhelming. Through a structured process, the therapist helps the person recall traumatic experiences while using techniques that engage both sides of the brain, such as tapping or sounds. Over time, this helps the brain "reorganize" the memory, allowing the person to feel more at peace, gain a sense of control, and move forward with greater confidence and hope.
What is the week-by-week process of EMDR?
EMDR is an eight-phase therapy that guides a person through healing step by step, and while the number of sessions needed varies for each person, many start feeling relief within a few sessions.
History Taking
Understanding trauma history and treatment goals.
Preparation
Teaching coping skills for emotional safety.
Assessment
Identifying target memories and negative beliefs.
Desensitization
Reprocessing trauma with bilateral stimulation
Installation
Strengthening positive beliefs to replace negative ones.
Body Scan
Checking for and releasing lingering distress.
Closure
Ensuring emotional stability after sessions.
Reevaluation
Reviewing progress and adjusting treatment if needed.
Is EMDR the right therapy option for me?
If you have experienced trauma, anxiety, or distressing memories that still affect you, EMDR might be a good option for you. EMDR helps your brain process painful experiences in a way that makes them feel less overwhelming, so you no longer feel stuck in the past. It’s especially effective for PTSD, but it can also help with anxiety, phobias, and other emotional struggles. If you have trouble moving on from past events, experience strong emotional reactions to reminders, or feel like talking about the trauma hasn’t helped enough, EMDR could provide relief.