EMDR THERAPY

Traditional talk therapy often falls short in processing certain traumas because trauma affects the brain and body in ways that language alone cannot address. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) was developed to help clients process traumas that become "stuck" in their nervous system by utilizing bilateral stimulation to integrate these experiences.

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EMDR: An Evidenced-Based Trauma Therapy

The structured EMDR protocol offers flexibility in its application, allowing it to be integrated with talk therapy or used as a standalone treatment. Originally involving eye movements, EMDR has evolved to commonly incorporate tapping as a means to facilitate processing. This adaptation helps maintain the effectiveness of the therapy while accommodating different client needs and preferences.

In each session, the protocol focuses on specific memories, with the goal of helping clients return to a state of calm and stability following trauma. For those dealing with recent trauma, some initial stabilization work may be necessary before engaging in full processing. This preparatory phase ensures that clients are adequately equipped to handle the emotional intensity of the therapeutic process.

EMDR has demonstrated effectiveness in addressing a range of issues, including post-traumatic stress, complex trauma, addiction, grief and loss, and eating disorders. By targeting and processing distressing memories, EMDR aids in alleviating symptoms and fostering emotional resilience, making it a valuable tool in the therapeutic landscape.

One of my favorite components of EMDR is its low-risk profile. Some techniques pose risks—risks that you have to weigh against the potential costs of the therapy. But with EMDR, you don’t have much to be concerned about. In my experience, the worst that can happen is that nothing happens. The therapy simply doesn’t improve your symptoms much. But most folks do experience an incredible reduction in their distress.

If you’re curious to learn more about EMDR, you can contact me to set up a complimentary consultation. We'll start with a thorough assessment to ensure you benefit from this technique as much as possible.

EMDR for Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders

Traditional substance use treatment focuses heavily on cognitive insight and behavioral change. However, after working in substance use treatment for some time, it becomes clear that most people rationally understand that they shouldn’t re-engage in substance use. Yet, when they feel triggered, this rationale often goes out the window.

EMDR has been adapted to cover a wider scope beyond just traumatic memories. It is now used to address substance use. However, the protocol for substance use is slightly different. Instead of beginning with a search for a traumatic memory, the focus is on navigating triggers. This is done by pairing the triggering moment with a "beneficial network" through the tapping technique.

EMDR can also be incredibly useful for:

- Anxiety
- Phobias
- Grief
- Depression
- Eating Disorders
- Sexual Dysfunction
OCD

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can EMDR be done online, or only in person?
EMDR can be done both online and in person. The method I use—tapping, a form of bilateral stimulation—is especially versatile and well-suited for remote sessions. It also empowers clients to practice some of the techniques on their own between sessions, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the treatment.

Can EMDR help with anxiety and panic attacks?
Absolutely. EMDR is a highly effective treatment for both anxiety and panic attacks. There are also specific EMDR protocols designed to target phobias. Whether your anxiety is rooted in past trauma or not, EMDR can help reduce the intensity of anxious responses by reprocessing the underlying emotional patterns.

How do I know if EMDR is right for me?
Determining whether EMDR—or any therapeutic approach—is right for you begins with a comprehensive clinical assessment. The good news is that EMDR is appropriate for many clients. There are only a few conditions that would make EMDR contraindicated. A qualified therapist can help assess whether EMDR is the best fit for your needs, or if another approach—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Internal Family Systems (IFS)—might be more effective based on your specific concerns.

What kind of preparation or stability work is needed before EMDR?
Preparation is a key part of the EMDR process. In fact, the first stage of EMDR is called “resourcing.” During this phase, you’ll learn specific EMDR techniques and begin to build positive neural associations that help regulate your nervous system. You won’t begin processing traumatic memories during the first session. Instead, we’ll focus on developing internal resources and emotional stability to ensure you feel safe and supported before any deeper work begins.

What happens during an EMDR session?
EMDR sessions are highly structured, unlike more open-ended talk therapy. Each session typically begins with identifying a target memory. You’ll explore the thoughts, emotions, and even physical sensations connected to that memory. Then, using bilateral stimulation—such as tapping—I’ll guide you through a process of reprocessing the memory. The goal is to reduce the emotional charge. For example, if a car accident memory initially causes distress rated at an 8 out of 10, the aim is to reduce that distress as close to zero as possible by the end of the session.

You don't have to do this alone.

Choosing a therapist is a very personal task. We can start with a 15 minute consultation call. These calls are free of charge and will hopefully provide us an opportunity to get to know one another. I can give you a sense of how I work, but more importantly, you can see if I’m the right fit for you. Then we can craft a strategic plan to help you achieve your goals.