Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for “Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing” and is a type of therapy proven to effectively treat trauma-related conditions, as well an array of other mental health symptoms.
This well-researched and empirically validated intervention uses a structured approach to processing difficult life experiences through brief focus on a traumatic memory or pivotal life moment while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (usually eye movements). This process often results in a significant reduction in the emotions and intensity associated with the original image/memory, thus leading to symptom reduction and overall improvements in quality of life.
What to expect from an EMDR session:
Sessions are held virtually using a HIPAA compliant platform
Our intake session(s) will focus on gathering relevant information and history and collaboratively developing our treatment plan
Once we have our roadmap, we’ll start our EMDR sessions with understanding what type of bilateral stimulation works best for your unique brain and expanding your repertoire of self regulation and self soothing skills, so that no matter where a future EMDR session take us, you’ll always be able to anchor into the present moment and come home to yourself … and I’ll always be able to support you in getting there!
Once we have our roadmap and your unique internal resourcing strategies, we’ll begin using the bilateral stimulation as you process whatever memories or experiences are contributing to your current symptoms (in my experience, this typically takes 3-10 sessions but is highly variable and individualized).
Whenever you decide that our work is complete, we will process and integrate your experience using an embodied and trauma-informed approach for terminating our work.
“I began my EMDR treatment with Anna when my PTSD symptoms were overwhelming my daily life. Initially, I assumed EMDR would intrude and exhaust my mental and emotional capacity for the day as it might reopen some old wounds. However, I learned that EMDR is not about re-living the trauma but processing aspects of a memory in a contained manner under Anna’s guidance. When we were going through a traumatic memory, EMDR helped objectify that situation and remove senses of guilt and shame I felt about an event I either had or had no control over. It was thanks to EMDR that I was finally able to overcome some of my deepest and most scarring memories.”