EMDR 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

Life’s challenges can leave lasting impressions—unresolved trauma, persistent anxiety, and emotional wounds that interfere with your well-being. EMDR therapy offers a structured, evidence-based approach to help you process and heal from these experiences—leading to relief from symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, greater emotional resilience, and healthier relationships.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapeutic modality designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR utilizes bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements or tactile cues—to help your brain reprocess difficult experiences. This process can diminish the emotional intensity of traumatic memories, allowing you to move forward in life with greater ease.

How EMDR Works

EMDR therapy follows an eight-phase protocol:

  1. History Taking & Treatment Planning: Understanding your unique experiences and identifying target memories.

  2. Preparation: Developing coping strategies and ensuring you have the resources needed for the EMDR treatment process.

  3. Assessment: Identifying specific memories and associated beliefs for reprocessing.

  4. Desensitization: Using bilateral stimulation to reduce the emotional charge of traumatic memories.

  5. Installation: Strengthening positive beliefs to replace negative ones.

  6. Body Scan: Ensuring that residual physical responses to trauma are addressed.

  7. Closure: Returning to a state of equilibrium at the end of each session.

  8. Reevaluation: Assessing progress and determining future targets for processing.

Throughout this treatment protocol, care is taken to tailor the process to your unique needs and readiness. If the reprocessing phase feels overwhelming, we’ll pause and focus on strengthening your internal resources—helping you feel more grounded in the present and supporting your progress through other phases of the treatment.

 

Is EMDR Right for You?

EMDR has been effective in treating:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Anxiety and panic disorders

  • Depression

  • Grief and loss

  • Phobias

  • Self-esteem issues

  • Attachment injuries

If you're seeking relief from distressing memories or emotional patterns that no longer serve you, EMDR may offer the transformation you need.

 

Begin Your Healing Journey

Taking the first step toward healing can feel daunting, but you don't have to do it alone. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your needs and determine if EMDR therapy is a good fit for you. Together, we can chart a course toward greater well-being.

Call me for your free 15 minute consultation at 415.356.9897.