Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Advanced Training in Flash, IFS Informed EMDR, Pain Protocol & Treating Dissociative Clients.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based, structured therapy that helps people heal from trauma, stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR uses guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation (such as tapping or tones) to support the brain in reprocessing painful or distressing experiences.
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Instead of simply talking about a memory, EMDR helps your brain integrate what happened so it no longer feels as charged or overwhelming. The goal is for past experiences to feel like something that happened, not something that’s still happening inside your nervous system.
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How EMDR Works
After trauma or significant stress, memories can become “stuck” in the nervous system. These unprocessed experiences may continue to trigger emotional or physical reactions long after the event has passed. EMDR helps “unfreeze” those memories and allows the brain to complete its natural healing process.
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During a session, you’ll bring your attention to a specific memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation. This helps the brain reprocess the memory so it becomes less distressing and more adaptive. Over time, the emotional intensity decreases, and healthier beliefs about yourself and the event begin to take hold.
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What to Expect in EMDR Therapy
EMDR follows an eight-phase process that ensures safety, structure, and steady progress:
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History & Treatment Planning: Exploring your background, goals, and areas of concern.
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Preparation: Learning about EMDR and practicing grounding or calming techniques.
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Assessment: Identifying the specific memories or experiences that need reprocessing.
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Desensitization: Processing the memory through bilateral stimulation.
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Installation: Reinforcing positive, empowering beliefs to replace old negative ones.
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Body Scan: Checking for any lingering physical sensations connected to the memory.
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Closure: Ending each session with grounding to return to a calm, centered state.
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Re-evaluation: Reviewing progress and identifying next steps in subsequent sessions.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
EMDR can be helpful for individuals experiencing:
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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Anxiety or panic attacks
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Depression
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Complicated grief or loss
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Phobias
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Medical or accident-related trauma
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Chronic stress or health-related anxiety
Is EMDR Right for You?
EMDR has been extensively researched and proven effective for trauma and a wide range of emotional difficulties. Because each person’s experiences and needs are unique, the best way to know if EMDR is a good fit is through a consultation with a trained EMDR therapist who can tailor the approach to your goals and readiness for this work.