EMDR Therapy is an evidence-based Trauma Therapy that is proven effective for PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Addictions, and much more. It stands for Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing. EMDR is different from talk therapy. It utilizes eye movements, auditory tones, and/or tactile vibrations to help 3 parts of the brain communicate more effectively: the amygdala, the hippocampus, and the prefrontal cortex.


When a trauma occurs, whether it’s a horrific car accident or an experience of bullying, the brain responds by activating the amygdala (our threat detection system). Cortisol and adrenaline are released and the body gets stressed. This activation shunts access to the left hemisphere (logic, positive associations). The brain thinks it’s more important to fight/flight/flee than it is to stop and think about what is happening. The images of the traumatic event get stored away for your brain to process later, along with the words your brain formed at the time (I’m not safe; I’m not good enough) and the body sensations (chest tension, clenched jaw, headache).

 
During REM sleep, the brain organizes information from the day. REM stands for Rapid Eye Movement. During EMDR therapy we replicate these movements to help you reprocess stored trauma memories. I’ll ask you to think about the memory, the negative words about yourself, and the body sensations while I guide your eyes back and forth.

 
EMDR Therapy is NOT magic. It’s NOT hypnosis. It’s NOT a crazy trick your therapist wants you to try. EMDR Therapy is a brain-based modality that uses your brain’s natural processing system to organize information that was stored incorrectly because you were stressed. If we decide EMDR Therapy is right for you, we’ll design a treatment plan together. I’ll walk you through it every step of the way.

EMDR Therapy

What is EMDR Therapy?

Why do we need EMDR Therapy?

Why Eye Movements?

What EMDR Therapy is NOT?