What is EMDR?
Traumatic stress is stored physically. EMDR is an evidence-based therapy model that bridges the mind-body gap.
How Does EMDR Affect Memories?
The brain and body especially remember negative or positive life events.
Memories are expressed as self-talk, and views about others, the state of the world, or your future.
EMDR therapy changes memories that are overwhelming or traumatic so they are remembered without the original distress.
What if EMDR is Too Intense?
Memories become less present-lived when activating them at your pace and control in the presence of a trusted therapist.
The memory where present-day problems in personal or professional life originated is focused on rather than its effects. The result is mental and physical calm and a preferred story about these memories.
Does EMDR Cause Memory Loss?
EMDR helps you remember with calm. It’s like you’re a train conductor watching the scenery of your thoughts without being pulled off into distress.
You can notice what’s there and the new surroundings as you progress on the track, calmly staying on the train until you reach the station - that is, your body and mind arrive, fully believing the experience is over, it’s in the past, and you are safe.
How does EMDR bridge the mind-body gap?
What to Expect: The Phases of EMDR Treatment
Phases 1-2: History & Preparation. We discuss your current and past challenges, map your triggers, and build immediate emotional grounding tools. Polyvagal Theory and DBT skills are especially helpful as supports to the EMDR skills introduced here.
Phases 3-6: Processing the Memory. We use bilateral stimulation to safely desensitize the target trauma.
Phases 7-8: Integration & Closure. We evaluate your progress and ensure you feel grounded at the end of every session.