EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. 

EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or
completing homework between sessions. EMDR therapy, rather than focusing on changing the
emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue, allows the brain to
resume its natural healing process.  (www.emdria.org)

Here are some quick videos about EMDR:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKrfH43srg8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOkSm90f2Do

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_ORTtqrm9o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pkfln-ZtWeY

Sample EMDR session:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2ra8p4MSOk

• Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
• Chronic illness and pain
• Perfectionism
• Depression and bipolar disorders
• Dissociative disorders
• Eating disorders
• Grief and loss
• Performance anxiety and public speaking 
• Personality disorders
• PTSD and other trauma and stress-related issues
• Sexual assault 
• Substance abuse and addiction
• Violence and abuse 

EMDR follows a specific 8 phase format. One of these phases includes specific preparation called "resourcing". We will not activate or focus on traumatic/distressing memories (or negative core beliefs) until you are properly prepared with a robust set of positive coping skills for any difficult emotions that may come up. 

While some therapists do not require it, for clients working with me I do require a strict 48 window (24 hours before/24 hours after) of sobriety from alcohol and any recreational drugs (including any form of maurijuana) for EMDR sessions. This is because these substances can interfere with the creation of new neural pathways and negatively impact the work we will do. 

While any therapy session can trigger difficult emotions, EMDR can be particularly difficult when dealing with memories or beliefs that are extremely distressing. Because of this, we will always close each session with a guided "peaceful place" visualization. Fatigue and sometimes vivid dreams can also occur following an EMDR session. 

*EMDR can be done virtually by video sessions.