Most of the time, your brain processes new information and experiences without you even being aware of it. However, when something distressing or traumatic occurs, your natural coping mechanisms can become overwhelmed. In this overloaded state, difficult experiences can get stuck in the brain and remain unprocessed, causing you to relive the same emotions associated with those events again and again. This makes it hard to stay present and can interfere with your ability to absorb and learn from new experiences. EMDR works by creating connections between your brain's memory networks, allowing traumatic memories to be processed in a natural and organic way.
EMDR Therapy
What Is EMDR?
The mind has a remarkable ability to heal itself naturally, much like the body does. A great deal of this natural processing occurs during sleep, particularly during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. In 1987, Francine Shapiro developed Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), drawing on this natural process to successfully treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Since then, EMDR has been used to effectively treat a wide range of mental health concerns. Repeated EMDR studies continue to affirm that the mind can heal from psychological trauma much the same way the body recovers from physical injury.
What Does EMDR Treat?
- PTSD
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression
- Stress
- Phobias
- Sleep problems
- Complicated grief
- Addictions
- Pain relief
- Phantom limb pain
- Self-esteem and performance anxiety
What Is An EMDR Session Like?
Following a thorough assessment, you will be asked specific questions about a particular disturbing memory. Eye movements similar to those during REM sleep are then recreated by following the therapist's finger as it moves back and forth across your visual field — sometimes a light bar or headphones are used instead. After each set of eye movements, you will be asked to share what you noticed, which may include shifts in thoughts, images, or feelings. With repeated sets, the memory gradually loses its painful intensity and becomes a neutral recollection of a past event. Other associated memories may begin to heal at the same time. EMDR is not a form of hypnosis, and you are in control and can stop the process at any time. Most people find EMDR to be a natural and deeply empowering experience.
How Long Does EMDR Treatment Take?
EMDR can be used as a brief, focused treatment or as part of a longer psychotherapy program. Sessions typically run between 60 and 90 minutes, though they can be longer depending on individual needs.