What is EMDR?

EMDR is short for "Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy". It's a therapeutic approach that considers how past stressful experiences have been stored in your brain. It involves working with memories to support processing of traumas so that they are no longer causing disruption to your present life. Unresolved past trauma can show up in your current life in the form of anxiety, unhealthy relationships, physical pain, addiction etc.

EMDR was developed by Francine Shapiro PhD, in 1987 and has since been shown to be effective through research and hundreds of published peer-reviewed articles. It can resolve trauma and provide relief in a shorter time frame in comparison to talk therapy.

This approach is different from talk therapy because it works with memories and traumas even if we might not have the words for what occurred. It does NOT require you to re-live the trauma, and you do not have to re-tell your story in detail.

Here is an information video you are welcome to watch: https://youtu.be/Pkfln-ZtWeY

What is the Eye Movement Thing?

EMDR uses "bilateral dual attention stimulation" to help reorganize and process information in your nervous system. This means activating both left and right side of your body while also paying attention to thoughts/feelings/memories. This helps your system regulate.

One type of bilateral stimulation is following a target with your eyes and moving them back and forth. Other forms of this can be you tapping on certain areas of your body, alternating left and right side.

It's important that whatever form of bilateral stimulation used, that it fits for you. We explore this together in our sessions.

EMDR Can Effectively Treat:

Childhood trauma
PTSD
Specific traumatic experiences
Anxiety
Depression
Self Worth & Self Esteem
Addiction
Chronic Pain
Grief
And more.....