EMDR

The following is an excerpt from emdria.org:
”Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to briefly focus on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories.”

Read more about EMDR here: How it works and what to expect in terms of treatment

EMDR is an extensively researched psychotherapy method that was initially created to treat and address trauma and PTSD symptoms. Ongoing research supports positive clinical outcomes for many other experiences. Some of these include:

• Depression

• Childhood Trauma

• Anxiety

EMDR does not require talking through the distressing issue in detail. Rather than focusing solely on shifting thoughts, feelings, or behaviors through conversation, it is a process aimed at helping the brain resume its own natural healing. It is thought to work with unprocessed memories at their source.

The theory behind EMDR believes our brains are naturally designed to heal. When disturbing or overwhelming experiences occur, three key parts of the brain are involved in processing them: the amygdala, which sounds the alarm in moments of threat; the hippocampus, which holds what we have learned about safety and danger; and the prefrontal cortex, which helps us make sense of and regulate our experience.

When these three are communicating and functioning well together, healing happens naturally.  When that process gets interrupted, unprocessed memories can leave the nervous system stuck in a state of fight, flight, fawn or freeze. We respond as though the original threat is still present. The memory itself is not the problem. It is the way that memory remains stored. It is unintegrated and therefore continues to activate the same alarm.

EMDR works by sparking communication between these parts of the brain, and helps to complete what was left unfinished. The memory does not disappear. What can change is the way that memory is felt or experienced. What once felt overwhelming can become something that can be remembered without the body and nervous system responding with the same intensity as though it is still happening.

EMDR sessions are conducted and billed in the same way as individual therapy (50-55 minute sessions with an out of pocket cost of $150). Insurance can also be used for EMDR sessions. For a full list of accepted insurance providers, please refer to the FAQ section under Individual Therapy (maybe include hyperlink to FAQ for individual insurance?). Some people find that extended session time can be particularly beneficial for EMDR work. If that feels relevant at any point in our work together, we can explore the option of lengthening our sessions for an additional cost.

In the same way I offer a free 15 minute consult for individual therapy, I do the same here for new clients to explore fit. This gives you a chance to get a feel for what working together could be like, and gives me a chance to sense if I can provide support for what you are seeking. If we decide to work together, I will send you a portal invitation from Alma (the platform I use to take care of billing and calendar). Intake documents will be sent, and insurance will be verified before session (if you choose to use insurance). Scheduling can be coordinated via email.

Again, like any tool, EMDR is not a panacea and may not be the best approach for everyone. If you are interested, we can explore whether this feels like an appropriate treatment approach for you, or whether another approach may be more supportive