EMDR Therapy Helps by… 

Our EMDR practice provides you with a safe space to begin resolving traumatic memories that are impacting your wellbeing; empowering you to overcome your challenges. EMDR aims to help you…  

• Reprocess traumatic memories in a safe space  

• Reduce the occurrence and impact of negative thoughts, feelings or memories related to your trauma  

• Strengthen positive self-beliefs and self-esteem 

• Recognize and strengthen your capacity for resilience and growth 

EMDR Therapy: Who is it for?…   

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is an individual form of psychotherapy, in which a therapist helps you to target and reprocess traumatic memories. This therapy technique uses bilateral stimulation (commonly side-to-side eye movements), to change how traumatic memories are being stored and accessed in the brain, so they become less disturbing. This therapy usually occurs once or twice a week and typically takes place over the course of 6-12 sessions, varying depending on the traumas being targeted.   

EMDR is specifically beneficial in treating conditions related to traumatic experiences:  If the difficulties you are seeking therapy for are not based in trauma (i.e., chemical imbalances, genetically inherited conditions, brain injuries, everyday stressors, etc.,) EMDR is unlikely to be the best tool for you.  

Examples of trauma EMDR can help you work through: post-traumatic stress disorder, post-traumatic stress related to natural disasters, childhood abuse/neglect, assaults, accidents, phobias; physical manifestations of trauma e.g., stress-induced physical disorders and other medically unexplainable symptoms  

EMDR Therapy: What to Expect?… 

This is a brief overview of the steps taken in EMDR therapy. The process moves forward at a pace that is comfortable for the individual.

1. History & Planning The process begins with a conversation about the person’s background and what brought them to therapy. Together, the client and the therapist will identify the specific memories, feelings, or situations to work on. This creates a roadmap for the sessions and helps confirm that EMDR is the right fit for the person’s goals.

2. Preparation In this phase, the therapist explains how EMDR works, and the techniques are practiced together. A primary goal is to establish a trusting and safe therapeutic relationship. The client also learns calming techniques to help feel grounded and in control, both during and between sessions.

3. Assessment For each memory being processed, it is activated by bringing to mind an image and any related negative beliefs (e.g., “I am in danger”). A positive belief is then identified as a preferred alternative (e.g., “I am safe now”). Using a simple 0-10 scale, the level of disturbance the memory causes is rated, which helps track progress as the distress level drops.

4. Desensitization This is the phase where the reprocessing happens. It involves focusing on the target memory while following the eye movements or other back-and-forth stimulation. There is no need to talk at length; the process allows the brain to make its own new, helpful connections so the memory becomes less disturbing and painful.

5. Installation Once the distress from the memory has faded, the focus shifts to strengthening the positive belief identified earlier. The same eye movements are used to help the brain fully accept this new, positive outlook until it feels true and solid.

6. Body Scan Trauma can be held in the body as physical tension or discomfort. In this phase, the original memory is brought to mind while scanning the body for any lingering tightness or unpleasant sensations. The eye movements are then used to help release that remaining physical stress.

7. Closure At the end of every reprocessing session, the priority is leaving the session feeling calm and grounded. A relaxation exercise or another calming technique is used to ensure a sense of stability before departure. This helps with the transition back to day-to-day life.

8. Re-evaluation At the beginning of each new session, we will check in on the work done previously. Progress is reviewed, we see how the memory feels now, and confirm that the positive changes are lasting. This helps inform the decision on what to work on next.

EMDR Therapy: Is it Right for You?…  

Before starting your therapy journey with EMDR, here are some things to know… 

• Lower Stress: Some people find EMDR to be less invasive than other approaches because traumatic memories do not have to be described in great detail or depth to your therapist. The goal is to move past trauma, not relive it. EMDR can successfully occur while sharing minimal details about the actual trauma memory and can therefore be less distressing for some.  

• Less Homework: EMDR does not typically incorporate homework. You may be asked to write down new observations or ideas you wish to bring up at your next session (if they occur to you), but you will typically not be asked to complete any specific tasks or worksheets in relation to your treatment.  

• See Your Progress: During your EMDR therapy, your therapist and you will be carefully keeping track of your improvement each session. This dedicated progress tracking allows you to more easily see improvements over time and ensure you fully process what is distressing you before moving on.  

EMDR Therapy Leads to… 

Alongside our EMDR care providers, EMDR can help you…  

• Find empowerment in your negative experiences, drawing on them as a source of resilience  

• Improve emotional regulation and quality of life  

• Feel autonomous within your body and experience mental and emotional safety 

• Improve wellbeing and achieve personal goals, continuing improvements and expanding freedom beyond the therapy space