What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from different treatment approaches.

Who developed EMDR?

Francine Shapiro studied and developed EMDR which has been widely explored since 1989. For more information, please visit www.emdr.com.

How does EMDR work?

EMDR therapy is an integrative psychotherapy method that uses a technique called bilateral stimulation to repeatedly activate opposite sides of the brain. Therapists often use eye movements to facilitate bilateral stimulation. These eye movements mimic the period of sleep referred to as rapid eye movement or REM sleep, and this portion of sleep is frequently considered to be the time when the mind processes the recent events in the person’s life.

EMDR seems to help the brain reprocess the trapped memories in such a way that normal information processing is resumed. Therapists often use EMDR to help clients uncover and process beliefs that developed as the result of relational traumas, or childhood abuse and/or neglect. For a more detailed explanation please visit the EMDR Institute, Inc.

How long does EMDR take?

This could be best answered after an initial meeting and an evaluation; each person and their needs are unique; some individuals need anywhere from 3-9 sessions while others need 10-15 plus sessions. Traditionally EMDR sessions are once a week; however, depending on the needs of the individuals, twice a week sessions might be offered.

Worth it or not? That is the question!

In a nutshell… yes it is! EMDR is highly effective in treating anything from single traumas (car accident, dog attack etc) to complex multiple traumas such as sexual assault, domestic violence that continue to negatively effect your life. Whether you are aware of the past events that continue to feed your current problems or not, EMDR can help you identify than process these “charged” negative memories so that they can no longer control your life; you can be free from anxiety, nightmares, panic attacks and negative self talk. For example, if you are working on “self worth” that has been negatively affected by trauma(s), you will gain the insights to say “I am worthwhile”, believe “I am worthwhile” and live like “I am worthwhile”; you will gain this new insight from processing the targeted memory.

Does my insurance cover EMDR?

If you have mental health benefits, your insurance will cover this; EMDR is an evidence based modality. If you do not have mental health benefits or insurance, please give me a call so we can figure out a payment plan for you.