Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based modality that has historically treated trauma, but has expanded over the past decade to address anxiety and depression. EMDR helps clients shift negative beliefs and damaging physical experiences toward positive self-beliefs and the healing of physical trauma.

EMDR empowers clients to gently reprocess traumatic experiences — moving from negative beliefs and triggering patterns toward strengthening self-beliefs and greater safety in their bodies. It reorients clients to their trauma by allowing the brain to integrate new information (called adaptive information processing) into traumatic memories and stored physical experiences. Consequently, previous triggers no longer hold the same charge.

EMDR effectively uses bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories and reduce their emotional impact, allowing patients to heal without having to extensively talk about the distressing details of the event.

The mechanism for change is rapid horizontal eye movement and a structured protocol that targets intrusive thoughts, negative self-beliefs, and stored body sensations. EMDR allows clients to reprocess trauma in a mostly nonverbal, experiential way that is highly effective and long-lasting. Following treatment, clients often report feeling less triggered, more at peace in their bodies, and better able to connect in their relationships.