EMDR Therapy

What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. But what does that mean?

EMDR is a proven trauma therapy method, like other therapy methods such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and somatic experiencing (SE), in which clients can access their traumatic memory system while reducing the feeling of being triggered or emotionally overwhelmed. Even though these experiences occur from our understanding about trauma (Life After Trauma), we know people who struggle with overcoming traumatic experiences require transforming their fragmented memories into completed and whole memories. 

EMDR therapy incorporates bilateral stimulation (BLS) which uses auditory, visual, or tactile external stimuli in a rhythmic pattern. The purpose of BLS is to help activate both halves of the brain during the sharing of a traumatic experience. Activating the entire brain stops someone from being stuck in the past and helps ground them to the present moment. By implementing BLS, clients are able to focus, access, and reprocess negative memories while moving forward with a more positive outlook.

EMDR therapy works to identify the who, what, where, when, and the why within a traumatic experience. Identifying the fragmented, unprocessed, key factors that are at play within a traumatic experience is essential for moving forward on the path of healing.

EMDR has a 20+ year history of serving and healing people with trauma. If you are curious about reading more, please click here.