Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Do you ever feel like your past experiences or memories feel so emotionally charged that they continue to cause you problems in the present? Have you ever been reminded of a traumatic time in your life and suddenly felt like you were reliving the experience all over again? Or reacted in a way that surprised yourself, leaving you asking “whoa, where did that come from?”

Sometimes, memories of traumatic events or challenging periods of our past can become “stuck,” preventing us from processing the memory in a healthy way and moving forward in our life. This stuck memory leaves us vulnerable to constant triggers and confusing reactions, because the emotional material of the memory remains fresh until it is reprocessed. In other words, you might know something happened in the past, but it still feels like it’s happening in the present.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) uses rapid sets of eye movements (or other forms of bilateral stimulation) to help your brain become “unstuck.” EMDR desensitizes the memory so that it is no longer distressing, and then helps the brain reprocess the trauma naturally, the way the brain processes any mundane, non-traumatic memory. Once reprocessed, the client will know and feel that their trauma is well and truly in the past.

EMDR is effective both for clients who have experienced a single traumatic event that they are struggling to process, and for those with prolonged periods of trauma in their past, such as childhood abuse or neglect. EMDR also works to help a person change the negative self-talk or self-belief that may be attached to traumatic events in their life. Those struggling with issues related to traumatic life events, such as addiction and complicated grief, can also find relief through EMDR therapy.

EMDR FAQs

How effective is EMDR? Does it work for everyone?

Many clients have experienced significant reduction or elimination of their symptoms related to traumatic life events after undergoing EMDR therapy. A substantial and growing body of research confirms that EMDR is effective in helping clients with difficult life experiences and traumatic memories. However, like all therapeutic interventions, EMDR results will vary and there is no guarantee of success.

How long does it take for EMDR to work?

EMDR treatment length depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of the client’s trauma. EMDR can also be paced according to the client’s needs and comfort level. As a flexible therapeutic modality, EMDR is easily incorporated into various forms of talk therapy, allowing the client to process the changes they are experiencing with their therapist, and to integrate these changes into their life post-EMDR.

Is there an extra cost for EMDR therapy?

No. An EMDR therapy session costs the same as any other therapy session with At Peace Therapy.

Can I continue to see my regular therapist while I do EMDR therapy?

Yes, you can continue seeing your regular therapist while simultaneously working with an EMDR therapist. EMDR can be used as a treatment that supplements the work you are doing with another therapist.

Is it necessary to talk in detail about my trauma?

No. One benefit of EMDR therapy is that you don’t need to talk in detail about your traumatic life experiences in order to reprocess them.

Is EMDR similar to hypnosis?

No. While rapid eye movements sometimes look similar to hypnosis, EMDR is a completely separate modality. Throughout EMDR processing you are present and fully in control.

Daniel has completed part 2 of EMDR training and is currently accepting clients interested in working with EMDR therapy. If you are interested, Daniel is happy to schedule a free consultation and answer any questions you have about EMDR therapy. To learn more, click here.