EMDR

The Transformative Power of EMDR Therapy

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) is a structured therapy that encourages you to briefly focus on a trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements). This process allows you to effectively “digest” the memory, lessening the emotional distress associated with it, and shifting your perspective towards a more positive and balanced understanding of yourself.

Individual EMDR

A Personalized Path to Healing

We can incorporate EMDR into your individual therapy treatment plan to help you process difficult memories, beliefs, or feelings that are causing distress. In each session, we’ll use targeted EMDR techniques to shift towards healthier, more adaptive perspectives. Sessions are conducted via secure telehealth, allowing you to heal comfortably from your own space.

Healing is a process of becoming lighter, as you let go of the heavy baggage of yesterday.

Adjunctive EMDR

Enhance Your Therapeutic Journey

Navigating through therapy can sometimes feel like hitting roadblocks or getting stuck in loops, leaving both clients and therapists feeling discouraged. Fortunately, there’s a way forward with adjunctive EMDR therapy. This approach offers a powerful supplement to traditional psychotherapy, focusing on specific challenges that may hinder progress.

Adjunctive EMDR therapy may be ideal if you and your primary therapist seek to address particular issues while maintaining your therapeutic relationship. It is especially effective for resolving single traumatic memories or intrusive thoughts that impact traditional therapy progress. This collaborative approach aims to accelerate healing and enrich ongoing therapy sessions.

What to Expect from Adjunctive EMDR Therapy

Sessions are conducted one-on-one with an EMDR-trained therapist via a secure telehealth video platform. Together, we target specific memories, body sensations, or limiting beliefs using EMDR techniques. This focused approach helps resolve sticking points and facilitates progress within traditional therapy.

Starting Your Adjunctive EMDR Therapy Journey

Getting started is straightforward. Your primary therapist will initiate the referral process. Together, we’ll assess if adjunctive EMDR therapy aligns with your needs and goals. We’ll clarify roles and expectations to ensure seamless collaboration between therapists. This approach is suited for individuals with a strong therapeutic rapport and a clear target for intervention.

My Role as an Adjunctive EMDR Therapist

As your adjunctive EMDR therapist, I work closely with your primary therapist to address specific issues impacting your therapy progress. This brief and focused approach supplements ongoing therapy, providing targeted support where it’s most beneficial. Break free from past cycles and embark confidently on your healing journey with adjunctive EMDR therapy.

For therapists or clients interested in adjunctive EMDR therapy, please contact me to discuss your specific needs and explore how we can collaborate effectively.

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EMDR Intensives

When One Hour Once a Week Isn’t Cutting It

Imagine eagerly awaiting your weekly therapy session, only to feel the pressure of time ticking away as you try to cover everything you need. It’s like playing a game of time Tetris, fitting updates, specific issues, and therapeutic work into just 50 minutes. But what if there was a better way?

Introducing EMDR Intensives—a liberating approach that transcends the limitations of standard weekly sessions. With EMDR intensives, you can dive deep into your healing journey without feeling rushed. Instead of brief weekly appointments, immerse yourself in extended, uninterrupted blocks of therapy time focused solely on your healing.

EMDR Intensives can be structured in various formats, including monthly sessions of 2, 3 (half-day), or 6 (full-day) hours, or a series of sessions over a condensed period. This flexibility allows for a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and preferences. Scheduled breaks ensure a supportive and nurturing environment throughout your intensive experience.

Benefits of EMDR Intensives

Efficiency: Maximize therapeutic time and make significant progress without session interruptions.
Flexibility: Manage therapy within a block schedule, accommodating work commitments more feasibly than weekly appointments.
Timely Results: Accelerate progress toward pressing goals or deadlines with intensive therapy sessions.
Insightful Breakthroughs: Delve deeper into self-awareness and perspective shifts with the immersive nature of intensive therapy.
Continued Support: Integrate newfound insights into daily life with ongoing therapist support post-intensive.

If you’re considering EMDR intensives and navigating out-of-network (OON) insurance, note that most plans typically cover standard 53-minute weekly sessions. For those working with non-EMDR therapists, exploring Adjunctive EMDR alongside existing therapy can offer transformative benefits.

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Unlock profound change in days, not months.

Seamless Transformation

The Crucial Role of Integration

Following EMDR sessions, weaving newfound insights and behaviors into everyday life is key. For detailed guidance on this process, explore the integration workbook from MAPS as well as the journals and workbooks for change section of my Recommended Media page.

FAQ

What is EMDR?

EMDR therapy, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, is a psychotherapeutic treatment known for its efficiency compared to traditional methods. It often yields significant results in just a few sessions, unlike therapies that may take months or years. This makes it a preferred choice for many seeking rapid relief.

Developed by Francine Shapiro, PhD, in the late 1980s, EMDR has become a leading treatment for PTSD, especially among veterans and survivors of trauma like natural disasters. Research spanning over 25 years demonstrates its effectiveness not only for PTSD but also for a variety of conditions such as personality disorders, panic attacks, anxiety, grief, addiction, and more.

Unlike some therapies, EMDR typically requires fewer sessions and doesn’t involve homework between appointments, making it one of the fastest evidence-based therapies available today. Widely practiced globally, EMDR offers hope and healing to countless individuals seeking to overcome their psychological challenges.

Get more information about EMDR.

How does EMDR work?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy integrates traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation (BLS) such as eye movements, tactile sensations, or auditory tones. Grounded in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, EMDR aims to alleviate psychological distress by reprocessing unprocessed memories.

By facilitating communication between brain hemispheres, EMDR helps reduce the impact of traumatic memories on the nervous system, leading to a positive transformation in self-perception and a decrease in post-traumatic stress activation.

EMDR treatment spans eight phases, beginning with a comprehensive assessment of your history, challenges, and goals. Each session focuses on processing specific memories, adapting to your pace and needs for effective healing.

Our goal with EMDR is to foster holistic change, promoting emotional resilience and a positive self-concept. Discover how EMDR can support your journey to healing and personal growth.

What if I haven’t experienced traditional trauma?

While not everyone has encountered what is typically defined as ‘trauma,’ it’s common for all of us to face challenging or distressing events in life. These experiences can impact our perceptions and responses over time. Sometimes, especially in youth when coping mechanisms are still developing, the brain may struggle to process stressful events effectively. These unresolved memories can remain ‘stuck’ in the limbic system, potentially resurfacing later triggered by similar situations, leading to a re-experience of associated emotions.

In essence, everyone may carry ‘trauma’ in some form – stressful experiences that linger and influence our worldview and reactions, particularly when faced with reminders. Acknowledging and addressing these experiences can play a crucial role in personal growth and healing, regardless of whether they align with traditional notions of trauma.

Is EMDR therapy effective?

Absolutely! Discover how extensively studied and proven EMDR therapy is in alleviating trauma symptoms and enhancing overall well-being. Many report significant relief and lasting benefits, with mental health professionals often rating EMDR as more effective than psychoanalysis or cognitive-behavioral therapy. Clients experience accelerated emotional healing, akin to swiftly moving towards wellness in each session. Explore the latest EMDR research findings today.

What conditions can EMDR therapy treat?

EMDR therapy is supported by extensive research and has proven effective in treating a diverse range of conditions. These include:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety disorders
Depression
Phobias
Trauma-related issues

It has also shown promise in addressing symptoms of:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Grief
Addiction
Chronic pain
Panic attacks
Childhood trauma
Sexual assault
Birth trauma
Grief and loss
Relationship issues
Social anxiety
Chronic illness
Flashbacks
Poor boundaries
Low self-esteem
Perfectionism
Neglect
Irritability
Trauma related to infertility and NICU stays

EMDR therapy includes specialized protocols for recent traumatic events such as car accidents, childbirth, or being a victim of a crime. Early intervention during the “Acute Stress” phase can prevent the onset of PTSD symptoms by processing the event quickly. However, addressing any connections to past traumas may also be necessary for comprehensive healing.

What are the benefits of EMDR therapy?

EMDR therapy offers a wide range of benefits, making it a highly effective treatment for individuals dealing with trauma-related issues and other mental health challenges. Here are the key advantages:

Effectiveness: Extensive research supports EMDR therapy’s effectiveness in treating trauma and associated symptoms. It often delivers significant improvements in a shorter time frame compared to traditional therapies.
Faster Results: EMDR therapy can lead to quicker symptom relief, helping individuals regain control over their lives sooner than with other therapeutic approaches.
Reduced Homework: Typically, EMDR therapy requires less homework between sessions, making it convenient for clients with busy schedules and minimizing additional stress.
Lower Stress Levels: EMDR therapy focuses on processing trauma without extensively reliving distressing events, reducing stress during sessions and making therapy more manageable.
Holistic Healing: By addressing the root causes of trauma and promoting adaptive coping mechanisms, EMDR therapy supports comprehensive healing and long-term well-being.
Long-Term Benefits: Many individuals experience sustained improvements even after completing EMDR therapy, indicating its potential for lasting therapeutic effects and ongoing personal growth.
Minimal Side Effects: Compared to some medications, EMDR therapy generally has fewer side effects, making it a preferred choice for non-invasive treatment.

Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail or at all?

With EMDR Therapy, discussing your traumatic experiences in detail isn’t always necessary during the processing phase. Instead of reliving the trauma repeatedly, you simply hold the memory in your mind and explore it in manageable doses. The bilateral stimulation used in EMDR supports your brain’s natural healing process, similar to how your body heals from a physical injury. Over several EMDR sessions, many clients find that the emotional intensity surrounding their memories diminishes, making it easier to discuss their past traumas more comfortably.

Is EMDR therapy safe?

EMDR therapy is typically safe when administered by qualified and licensed therapists. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially individuals with specific mental health conditions or severe dissociative symptoms. We conduct a thorough assessment to determine your suitability for EMDR therapy and ensure a safe and supportive environment throughout your treatment.

Is EMDR therapy safe during pregnancy?

While specific research on EMDR therapy’s safety for pregnant women is limited, current evidence suggests it is generally well-tolerated and effective in reducing trauma and anxiety symptoms without adverse effects on maternal or fetal health. Research also underscores the harmful impact of stress and trauma on fetal development and birth outcomes, as well as the link between perinatal mood disorders and child health.

Given these considerations, addressing trauma and stress through EMDR therapy during pregnancy could be crucial for mitigating associated risks and promoting maternal-fetal well-being. Rather than questioning the safety of EMDR, the focus should be on leveraging its potential benefits to support pregnant women’s mental health and overall pregnancy outcomes.

See the most recent research on EMDR and pregnancy.

Can EMDR be done via telehealth?

Yes, EMDR therapy can be effectively conducted via telehealth, providing clients with comparable treatment outcomes to in-person sessions. The EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) has established clear guidelines for online EMDR therapy to ensure effectiveness and safety standards are maintained.

While the fundamental eight phases of EMDR remain consistent, the method of bilateral stimulation may vary in a virtual setting. During telehealth sessions, I utilize the “butterfly hug” technique, which involves rhythmic tapping around the clavicle and collarbone area. This technique offers the necessary bilateral stimulation to process traumatic memories and facilitate healing.

What if I can’t do it right?

This is a common concern, especially for newcomers to EMDR therapy. It’s important to recognize that everyone responds differently to EMDR, so there’s no universal right or wrong way to experience it. Instead of focusing on achieving a specific outcome, I encourage clients to observe and acknowledge whatever thoughts, sensations, or emotions arise during sessions.

EMDR therapy is about being present with your experiences and sharing them openly. This approach allows me to tailor the therapy to your unique needs effectively. Trust in your body’s innate ability to heal, and rest assured that I am here to support you throughout your healing journey.

Can I still work with my regular therapist and do EMDR with you?

Absolutely! I offer adjunctive EMDR therapy, which means I provide EMDR alongside the therapy you’re already receiving from your primary therapist. This approach complements and enhances your ongoing therapy without replacing it.

While you continue your work with your original therapist, adjunctive EMDR sessions focus on specific issues that you and your primary therapist have identified. These sessions typically target intrusive memories, flashbacks, persistent negative thoughts, or feelings. They are designed to be short-term, spanning 4 to 12 sessions, and concentrate on resolving single-incident traumas or simple phobias that may be hindering your progress in therapy.

The success of adjunctive EMDR relies on clearly defined goals and effective collaboration between you, your primary therapist, and myself. Together, we ensure that our work aligns seamlessly with your therapeutic journey towards healing and well-being.

What kind of training is required for an EMDR therapist?

Becoming an EMDR therapist involves comprehensive training. Therapists must complete an EMDRIA-approved Basic Training program, typically consisting of multiple weekends of in-person training, consultation sessions, and supervised practice. This training covers the theoretical foundations of EMDR, its therapeutic applications, and practical skills necessary for conducting effective EMDR sessions.

After completing Basic Training, therapists often work closely with an experienced EMDR consultant for ongoing guidance, feedback, and support as they integrate EMDR into their practice. Continued training is crucial, especially for therapists addressing complex trauma, recent traumatic events, dissociation, and related challenges.

Becoming proficient in EMDR therapy requires a significant commitment of time and effort to ensure therapists can provide skilled and compassionate care to their clients.

What is a Certified EMDR Therapist?

A Certified EMDR Therapist demonstrates exceptional expertise and proficiency in EMDR therapy.

Certification is awarded through a rigorous process established by EMDRIA, the EMDR International Association. Therapists seeking certification must be fully licensed in their field with at least two years of clinical experience. They must have completed an EMDRIA-approved training program in EMDR Therapy, conducted a minimum of 50 hours of EMDR therapy with at least 25 clients, engaged in at least 20 hours of consultation with an Approved Consultant in EMDR, completed a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education related to EMDR Therapy, and fulfilled other specified requirements.

Achieving certification ensures that therapists have met stringent criteria and are equipped to provide skilled and effective EMDR therapy to their clients.

What is an EMDR Consultant?

An EMDR Consultant is an experienced and certified EMDR therapist who provides crucial guidance and support to other therapists aiming to master EMDR therapy.

Consultants play a pivotal role in the training and development of EMDR therapists by offering supervision, feedback, and expertise during the learning process. They assist therapists in integrating EMDR principles and techniques into their clinical practice effectively and ethically. Consultants typically possess extensive experience in using EMDR therapy and have undergone specialized training to qualify for their role.

Engaging with an EMDR Consultant ensures therapists receive comprehensive support and mentorship as they advance their skills in providing EMDR therapy to their clients.

Butterfly Hug Tapping is often used instead of bilateral eye movement in EMDR.

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