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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I'm a certified EMDR Therapist. I have seen EMDR work wonders for my clients (and myself!). Here's the quick and dirty: it works SO MUCH FASTER than other treatments, YOU CHOOSE how to prioritize treatment based on what's comfortable for you - whether that's the biggest trauma you've experienced, something that's causing you pain in your daily life right now, or the things we say in our head as our meanest selves, and YOU GO AT YOUR OWN PACE and comfort level.

— Stephanie Lessmeier, Licensed Professional Counselor in St. Charles, MO

EMDR employs a body-based technique called bilateral simulation during which a therapist will guide a client through eye movements, tones, or taps in order to move a memory that has been incorrectly stored to a more functional part of the brain. EMDR is a proven treatment for clients who have experienced trauma and are still dealing with triggers and intrusive thoughts from the experience. EMDR clients with developing a more rational view and cognition of the event.

— TAMI ROBINSON, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Tampa, FL
 

During EMDR sessions, I will guide clients through a series of eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation while the client focuses on the traumatic memory. This process can help to desensitize the memory and reduce its emotional intensity, allowing the client to process the trauma in a more adaptive way. EMDR can also help individuals to develop more adaptive coping strategies and beliefs about themselves and the world around them.

— Natasha Hendricks, Counselor in White Salmon, WA

I have received training in EMDR from EMDR Professional Training where I learned the body is innately designed to propel itself towards health like it does with healing a cut on the skin, the same is true for our brain and our mental health. When a trauma occurs it seems to get locked in the brain like a splinter in the skin preventing healthy processing (healing) EMDR is a neurobiological approach to removing that splinter.

— Lorraine Schwartz, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in ,
 

EMDR is a structured therapy that has you briefly focus on traumatic memories while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, sound from ear to ear, or alternating vibration from handheld units. Over time, this process can reduce the vividness and emotion associated with the memories.

— Khatya Albano, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Long Beach, CA

EMDR 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. EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or completing homework between sessions. Rather than focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue, EMDR allows the brain to resume its natural healing process.

— Gina Polesetsky, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Culver City, CA
 

I am EMDRIA trained and pursuing certification currently. I am also trained in advanced EMDR protocols such as DeTUR and FSAP.

— Cub Larkin, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) is an evidenced based practice that has been shown to be effective for a variety of concerns. The strongest outcomes have been shown for trauma. I have used it extensively to help people process through old painful memories very quickly.

— Michael Samar, Licensed Master of Social Work in Northville, MI
 

I was trained in EMDR 18 years ago. My first training was with the founder, Dr Francine Shapiro. It is a very transformative modality.

— Tracy Galluppi, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Raritan, NJ

I completed my training through The Center for Excellence in EMDR Therapy. If you are interested, we will start off with preparation that includes psychoeducation and lots of support gathering resources and developing grounding and relaxation skills. Please feel free to ask if you would like to know more.

— Kate Hoffower, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Yorkville, IL
 

EMDR has been shown to be very effective in trauma reprocessing.

— Niyera Hewlett, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

I have extensive training in treating trauma wounds and abuse that continue to cause you and others harm, through reprocessing our harmful neural networks. I believe strongly in the healing that comes from addressing the wounds and attachment pain that contribute to our deep negative beliefs.

— Victoria Love, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Phoenix, AZ
 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), is a really cool, interesting, and neuroscientific form of therapy. It is primarily used to help relieve clients from unresolved trauma and negative experiences.

— Kelsey Riddle, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Scottsdale, AZ

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 have completed the EMDRIA approved training and consultation to provide EMDR. As good practice I will also continue with continuing education and case consultation to provide you with the best, up-to-date forms of care.

— Michelle Halpin, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Rochester, NY

I am fully trained in Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy. EMDR is a powerful, evidence based approach to treating trauma. This is a therapy that helps to shift deeply ingrained negative beliefs into more adaptive ones. EMDR helps to develop insight and awareness into the self. It can get to the root cause of anxiety, depression and life difficulties in a way that talk therapy cannot. It is truly one of the most powerful tools for getting unstuck in life.

— Meghan Walsh, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in WESTBROOK, ME
 

I completed EMDRIA-approved EMDR Therapy Basic Training Program in 2017 and frequently use EMDR to help clients heal from trauma and PTSD. I also am certified in Prolonged Exposure therapy, another evidence-based treatment for PTSD, and I assess each client's situation to learn which modality will help them the most.

— Erin Dykhuizen, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in St. Paul, MN

I am trained in and working toward becoming EMDR certified. EMDR can be a powerful tool in trauma healing — through creating safety in our relationship and using bilateral stimulation, we can tap into your brain's innate ability to heal from and process trauma.

— Hannah Croft, Clinical Social Worker in Denver, CO