Trauma Therapy
EMDR
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy designed to help people process and heal from distressing memories, traumatic events, and the emotional responses those events produce. It integrates aspects of cognitive, behavioral, and somatic therapies with a unique use of bilateral stimulation, taps on both sides of your body or auditory cues, to facilitate adaptive information processing.
Why EMDR matters
Rapidly reduces the vividness and emotional intensity of traumatic memories that continue to cause distress.
Has a strong evidence base for treating PTSD and is increasingly supported for related conditions such as complicated grief, panic disorder, phobias, and some cases of chronic pain or performance anxiety.
Offers a way to resolve the root memory or belief driving current symptoms rather than only managing symptoms.
Can produce meaningful changes in fewer sessions than some traditional therapies for certain clients.
EMDR
How EMDR is used in therapy
Assessment and history: The clinician and client identify target memories, current triggers, and negative beliefs linked to those memories.
Preparation: The therapist teaches coping and stabilization skills (grounding, relaxation, distress-tolerance) so the client can manage strong emotions between sessions.
Desensitization and reprocessing: The client focuses on the target memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation provided by the therapist. This process continues through sets of stimulation until the memory’s emotional charge decreases and adaptive perspectives emerge.
Installation: The therapist helps strengthen a positive belief or perspective to replace the negative one tied to the memory.
Body scan: The client checks for residual physical tension; any remaining disturbance is processed.
Closure and reevaluation: Each session ends with grounding and stabilization; later sessions reassess targets and progress.
What EMDR can heal or help with
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related symptoms
Distressing memories from accidents, assaults, medical trauma, or childhood adversity
Complicated grief and loss-related distress
Phobias and specific anxieties tied to past events
Panic disorder and recurrent intrusive thoughts
Some presentations of chronic pain and somatic symptoms rooted in traumatic memory
Performance anxiety and career- or creativity-linked blocks when tied to past negative experiences