what is EMDR?

EMDR is an extensively researched therapy that helps people reduce distress related to traumatic life experiences.

What does EMDR do?

When something traumatic happens, our feelings and thoughts get mixed up, like jumbled pages torn from a book. We carry those mixed up thoughts, images, sounds, feelings, and emotions with us, stuffed away. When something reminds us of those memories it’s as though it is happening again right now, and all those mixed up thoughts and feelings tumble out again.

EMDR helps the brain file away those mixed up images, sounds, feelings, thoughts, and emotions in a calm form, as a memory from the past, without all the emotional distress.

What is different with EMDR therapy?

EMDR is an intervention used together with talk or play therapy. After we explore what brings you to therapy and agree EMDR is a good fit, we will incorporate it in your sessions. With EMDR you don’t have to talk about the distressing issue in detail. Instead you focus briefly on the memory while experiencing bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tactile pulses, or sounds). For many clients, EMDR therapy requires fewer sessions than other forms of psychotherapy.

EMDR helps children and adults with:

• PTSD & trauma

• Sexual assault, violence & abuse

• Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias

• Performance anxiety & stress

• Depression and bipolar disorders

• Chronic Illness, medical issues, & pain

• Grief and loss

• Eating disorders

• Sleep disturbance

• Dissociative disorders

• Personality disorders

• Substance abuse and addiction