EMDR, or eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, is a structured, evidence-based treatment for trauma. In this case, trauma is defined as any past experience continuing to cause you distress in present day.

The premise behind EMDR is that unprocessed memories are stored in the “emotional” part of the brain, and these memories can be consciously or subconsciously reactivated when you are in a situation reminiscent of the difficult experiences you’ve been through. This can lead to disproportionate reactions to benign events, and tends to be what happens when we get “triggered.”

In EMDR, we will activate the memory network associated with a specific present-day trigger you’d like to work through. I will guide you through sets of repeated eye movements (or tapping) until the painful memories have been reprocessed.

EMDR can be used to treat PTSD and complex trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, phobias, grief and loss, addiction, and unhealthy self-esteem. EMDR has over 19 controlled studies demonstrating its effectiveness, making it the most thoroughly researched method used in the treatment of trauma.

EMDR can be used for a variety of presenting concerns; however, it is not appropriate for everyone. If you are interested in EMDR, contact me to schedule an initial consultation, and we will discuss eligibility criteria.