What is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based practice used to treat trauma and help facilitate the brain’s natural healing processes. 

EMDR can result in the alleviation of symptoms, lessening of distress from the memory, improved view of the self, relief from bodily disturbances, and resolution of triggers.  It is shown to be an effective therapy for children, adolescents, and adults.

During a traumatic or stressful event, the brain does not process information as it normally would. Instead, information can get stuck or stored in the brain in unhelpful ways and continue to negatively affect you in your present day life. The old stored information can be triggered in the present and can cause you to have thoughts, feelings, or bodily sensations that transport you back to the time the trauma occurred. This affects the way a person sees the world and how they relate with others. 

EMDR uses eye movements (similar to what occurs during REM sleep) to help facilitate information processing and relieve the effects of trauma and the accompanying negative beliefs. Following a successful EMDR session, you will still remember what happened, but you will not be overwhelmed when recalling the painful memories of the incident. This allows you to access positive ways of viewing the original trauma (reprocessing) and to release the stored negative emotional reactions around it (desensitization).

What Concerns Does EMDR Treat?

• Post Traumatic Stress
• Anxiety
• Attachment Ruptures
• Childhood Trauma
• Depression
• Flashbacks & Nightmares
• Grief & Loss
• Painful / Disturbing Memories
• Panic Attacks
• Physical, Emotional, and Sexual Abuse
• Self-Esteem Challenges