The mind can often heal itself naturally, in the same way as the body does. Much of this natural coping mechanism occurs during sleep, particularly during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Francine Shapiro developed Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) in 1987, utilizing this natural process in order to successfully treat Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Since then, EMDR has been used to effectively treat a wide range of mental health problems. EMDR uses things like eye movements, haptic feedback (sometimes referred to as “buzzies” or “tappers”), and sounds to help the brain heal itself and make meaning of previous events.

What can I expect from an EMDR therapy session?

EMDR utilizes the natural healing ability of your body. After a thorough assessment, you will be asked specific questions about a particular disturbing memory. Eye movements, similar to those during REM sleep, will be recreated simply by asking you to watch the therapist's finger moving backward and forwards across your visual field. Sometimes, a bar of moving lights or headphones is used instead. The eye movements will last for a short while and then stop. You will then be asked to report back on the experiences you have had during each of these sets of eye movements. Experiences during a session may include changes in thoughts, images, and feelings. With repeated sets of eye movements, the memory tends to change in such a way that it loses its painful intensity and simply becomes a neutral memory of an event in the past. Other associated memories may also heal at the same time. This linking of related memories can lead to a dramatic and rapid improvement in many aspects of your life.

Will we start processing trauma right away?

No. EMDR therapy happens in 8 phases. Phases 1-3 involves information gathering, resourcing/grounding, and identifying previous events that continue to impact your life. This can happen in 4 or 5 sessions or a few months. Trauma processing does not begin until phases 4-7.

How long does EMDR therapy last?

The answer is different for every client. Some clients with single-event traumas may only need 8-12 sessions. Other individuals with longer trauma histories or multiple distressing events may be in therapy 1 year or longer. Therapy is individualized to every client.

What is EMDR used for?

In addition to its use for the treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, EMDR has been successfully used to treat:

• anxiety and panic attacks

• depression

• stress

• phobias

• sleep problems

• complicated grief

• addictions

• pain relief, phantom limb pain

• self-esteem and performance anxiety

Will I be hypnotized?

No. EMDR therapy is very different from hypnosis. You are completely in your facets the whole time and have the ability to control when processing stops.

Can EMDR therapy be done via televideo?

Absolutely! We have the ability to create eye movements with various programs if you’re using a laptop, or I will teach you techniques to have you tapping during sessions.