EMDR

(eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)

How EMDR Can Help

Overwhelming experiences can affect the brain and nervous system in lasting ways. We might feel hijacked by our nervous system, or experience patterns of thought and emotion that don’t match our current circumstances. Or we might feel as though we’re re-experiencing or reacting to something that happened in the past. Additionally, we might hold painful beliefs that feel true, even though a part of us knows they aren’t rationally true. All of these are natural trauma responses, and healing from them is possible.

EMDR offers a way to jumpstart our natural memory processing mechanism, allowing us to work through past experiences so they no longer disturb our current day to day life.

What is EMDR

EMDR is a research-supported approach to therapy that helps our brain and body reprocess painful memories and experiences—so they lose their emotional charge and no longer run in the background of our life. It helps us become more present and unburdened from feelings that belong to the past.

There are eight stages of EMDR, and the time it takes to complete each stage depends on each person’s unique circumstances and the complexity of their trauma. These stages are designed to help you move through trauma safely and effectively.

Trauma comes in many forms

Trauma is a natural response to overwhelming circumstances, not a weakness.

Many people carry complex, layered experiences of trauma—like childhood emotional neglect, relational abuse, grief, medical trauma, assault, or chronic invalidation. And you don’t need a single “big” trauma for EMDR to be effective. Even subtle, repeated stressors can leave a deep imprint on our brain and nervous system.

An informed and attuned approach

Therapy will move at a pace that feels safe and grounded, with a focus on developing resources before starting any deeper processing.

Throughout our work together, I’ll check in to make sure we stay connected to what feels manageable and important to you.

Healing is possible, and I believe it begins with compassion. Reach out with any questions! I offer a free consultation so I can answer any question you have.