EMDR

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) relies on a client's own rapid, rhythmic eye movements, and is founded on the belief that these eye movements can weaken the intensity of emotionally charged memories. EMDR is most often used to treat PTSD or other traumas, but is also sometimes used for panic attacks, eating disorders, addictions, and anxiety. EMDR sessions can last up to 90 minutes, and usually starts with a client rating their level of distress. A therapist then typically moves their fingers in front of your face (or sometimes toe tapping or musical tones), asking you to follow along with your eyes, while you recall a traumatic event and all the sensations that come with it. You will gradually be guided by the therapist to shift thoughts from the traumatic experience to a more comforting one. The goal of EMDR is to make disturbing memories less immobilizing. Think this approach might be right for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s EMDR specialists today.

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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders.

— Whitney Russell, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX

A structured approach that helps process traumatic memories and alleviate associated distress through guided eye movements and other forms of bilateral stimulation.

— Jacob Mergendoller, Licensed Master of Social Work in New York, NY
 

Please see this link for more information on EMDR: https://wallstreettherapy.com/emdr

— Anna Kuyumcuoglu, Creative Art Therapist in New York, NY

I've been trained in EMDR through EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) and am currently pursuing certification through additional monthly consultation meetings and continuing education.

— Dr. Abrielle Conway, Psychologist in Cape Coral, FL
 

Trauma is stored differently in the brain than other memories. EMDR helps to reprocess traumatic memories so they are less disturbing.

— Heather Oster, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) therapy is an evidence-based, integrative treatment for PTSD and complex trauma experiences, such as abuse/neglect in childhood or sexually traumatic experiences. EMDR focuses on building grounding and coping skills to manage intense emotion or dissociation. EMDR also uses various forms of bilateral stimulation (BLS) to desensitize and reprocess trauma memories, emotions, or sensations that cause you to feel anxious, "frozen," or overwhelmed.

— Alicia Dlugos, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Philadelphia, PA
 

EMDR is effective in helping people process emotionally painful experiences. Long-term results of EMDR affects overall well-being so responses can return to normalcy and health. If you are seeking a peaceful resolution to painful events or to release unhealthy coping strategies, then EMDR therapy may be for you.

— Brionna Yanko, Psychotherapist in Denver, CO

I completed EMDRIA approved training, Parts 1 and 2 in 2020.

— Elisabeth Maguire, Clinical Social Worker in , NH
 

EMDR is an intervention to reprocess neural pathways that are built around unhelpful narratives based in experiences that we have difficulty integrating. This can include trauma experiences, early childhood experiences, or cultural narratives that have impacted our sense of self in the world. EMDR is known as the "nonverbal therapy" because it does not require re-hashing of traumatic experiences, and allows your brain to reorganize by using eye movements, tapping, or other bilatural stimulation.

— Elizabeth Hawkins, Sex Therapist

In EMDR therapy, I bring not only professional expertise but a personal understanding born from navigating my own traumas. This shared experience fuels my commitment to guiding you through healing. Just as I've found strength in EMDR, I believe in your innate creativity—making the process uniquely yours. Together, we embark on a journey where your creativity meets the transformative power of EMDR, crafting a pathway to resilience and profound personal growth.

— Laura Clay, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Lisle, IL
 

The body holds onto traumas that we have yet to process. When that happens, we need our bodies to join in on the processing. In EMDR, we utilize our bodies as a tool for healing through bilateral movements and allowing our mind-body connection to direct us toward full body processing.

— Shavonne James, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Long Beach, CA

EMDR helps to stimulate the brain’s own natural ability to process information and to heal itself. Trauma leaves unprocessed memories, feelings, and thoughts, and these can all be more easily metabolized with the use of Bilateral Stimulation (BLS), which speeds up the reprocessing of information, when compared to talk therapy alone. EMDR can also be applied to treatment of anxiety, depression, trust issues, performance related anxiety, and phobias.

— Marina Garbuz, Mental Health Counselor in New York, NY
 

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reproccessing. This process uses something called Billateral Stimulation (essentially your eyes follow an object moving back and forth). This process helps intergrate trauma into your memories instead of laying stuck in your body and brain. Reesearch shows that EMDR helps prevent the fight/flight/freeze responses from activiating when one expereinces a sensation that resembles the trauma event.

— Robyn Mendiola, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

I've been trained in EMDR through EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) and am currently pursuing certification through additional monthly consultation meetings and continuing education.

— Dr. Abrielle Conway, Psychologist in Cape Coral, FL
 

I have extensive experience & expertise in EMDR. It’s a powerful tool for dissolving trapped emotions, calming reactivity, and changing what you believe about yourself. Whether dealing with “shock” traumas or the many smaller wounds that made up the familial water we swam in as kids, EMDR can help you learn to love & accept who you were during every experience & help you feel so much better - leading you closer to connecting with the best version of yourself.

— Jessica Campbell, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Cincinnati, OH

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reproccessing. This process uses something called Billateral Stimulation (essentially your eyes follow an object moving back and forth). This process helps intergrate trauma into your memories instead of laying stuck in your body and brain. Reesearch shows that EMDR helps prevent the fight/flight/freeze responses from activiating when one expereinces a sensation that resembles the trauma event.

— Robyn Mendiola, Licensed Clinical Social Worker