EMDR Therapy

1. Creating a Safe Foundation
   Before starting EMDR, your therapist will work with you to establish a strong foundation of trust and comfort. Trauma therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you’re worried about revisiting painful experiences.  That’s why the first phase of EMDR involves preparing you with relaxation techniques, grounding exercises, and coping strategies. This ensures that when we start the actual EMDR process, you have the tools and resources to handle any strong emotions that might come up. We’ll discuss any fears or hesitations you may have and address them, making sure that you feel in control of the process.

2. Identifying Target Memories
   In the initial phases, we’ll work together to identify the specific memories, experiences, or beliefs that continue to cause you distress. This doesn’t mean you need to relive the trauma in detail. Instead, we’ll focus on pinpointing the emotions, beliefs, and physical sensations that are tied to these memories. For example, if you were in a car accident, we might focus on any images, feelings of panic, or sensations that come up when you think about driving. 

3. Bilateral Stimulation
   The unique aspect of EMDR is its use of “bilateral stimulation.” This means activating both sides of your brain through methods like guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones. While you focus on a specific memory, your therapist will guide you through these movements, such as following their finger from side to side. The process is similar to what happens in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, a time when the brain processes emotions and memories. 

4. Reprocessing and Reducing Emotional Intensity
   During bilateral stimulation, you may notice that the memory starts to feel less overwhelming, as though you’re observing it from a distance. The brain begins to naturally reprocess the memory, shifting it from a vivid, intense experience into a more neutral memory that no longer triggers the same intense emotions. Over multiple sessions, you will likely find that painful memories gradually lose their grip on you. 

5. Integrating New Beliefs and Strengthening Resilience
   We will also work to reinforce positive, empowering beliefs that support your healing journey. For example, a person who once felt “I am powerless” may come to feel “I am strong and in control.” This mindset shift allows you to replace negative self-perceptions with healthier, more compassionate beliefs about yourself. 

6. Moving Forward
   Many clients find that after EMDR, they no longer feel triggered by certain memories or situations that used to bring them so much stress. Clients often describe feeling like a “weight has been lifted.”

EMDR Targets the Roots of Trauma for True Recovery