EMDR
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is an evidence-based treatment for trauma. Recommended by the World Health Organization, EMDR is highly effective for treating trauma in adults.
Can EMDR be done online?
Yes, EMDR can be effectively conducted through telehealth, offering the same benefits as in-person sessions.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR involves thinking about traumatic events for short durations while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as following a moving dot on a screen or listening to alternating tones. This process helps individuals work through trauma with one foot in the past and one in the present, reducing the emotional intensity of the memories. EMDR is not hypnosis and does not alter memories; it simply diminishes their emotional impact.
The idea behind this is that when we think about stressful or traumatic memories, we tend to either go all the way into the memory (both feet in the past) or think about it in a detached way (both feet in the present). EMDR helps people work through their trauma with one foot in the past and one foot in the present, that way it’s not overwhelming, but it’s also not a detached or robotic experience.
EMDR does not remove or change your memories. Instead, EMDR works to take the emotional “oomph” out of memories, so that they are a part of your history just like any other mundane or significant memory.
What can I expect?
EMDR treatment follows eight stages:
History Taking: Gather information on your symptoms and trauma.
Preparation: Develop coping skills for use during and outside of sessions.
Assessment: Identify the trauma target for reprocessing.
Reprocessing: Engage in eye movements or alternating tones while thinking about the trauma.
Installation: Replace negative beliefs with more adaptive ones.
Body Scan: Check for any residual disturbance in the body.
Closure: Use skills developed in preparation to close the session.
Reassessment: Review progress at the start of each session.
Is EMDR only for trauma?
No, EMDR is effective for treating depression, anxiety, phobias, OCD, low self-esteem, life adjustments, and other issues.
Where can I learn more?
Visit the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) for comprehensive information on EMDR. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also offers valuable resources on trauma and EMDR.
Do I have any other options?
If EMDR isn't right for you, we also offer Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), another World Health Organization-recommended treatment for trauma. CPT, an intensive offshoot of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), helps shift behavior and emotions by addressing negative beliefs formed due to trauma. For more information on CPT, click here.