EMDR Therapy

EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that uses bilateral stimulation to support the the brain and body to recover from overwhelming and traumatic experiences so they no longer feel like they are happening in the present. Rather than talking in loops about the same experience, EMDR helps us to distill the relevant neural networks associated with traumatic events, and uses rhythmic, somatic input to support regulation and integration that allows us to make new meaning and relieve "stuck" body sensations.

​

Sometimes when we experience overwhelming events, our brain's natural processing strategies get interrupted, creating a living experience of trauma that can show up as anxiety, depression, emotional reactivity, triggers, intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, flashbacks, and more. EMDR can support your brain in resuming the healing process so these experiences can be integrated in a less activating way.

​

How EMDR Helps

EMDR can support you in:

• Processing trauma and adverse experiences

• Reducing emotional reactivity to triggers

• Shifting negative core beliefs (e.g., “I’m not safe,” “I’m not enough,” "it's my fault," "I'm bad")

• Decreasing anxiety, panic, and intrusive thoughts

• Building a stronger sense of internal safety and resilience

​

What to Expect

EMDR includes eight structured phases that focus on building safety and internal resources before moving into processing. During reprocessing, bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping) is used to help the brain integrate past experiences and update associated beliefs.

​

At Heartwise Counseling, EMDR is always offered with safety and collaboration. We pay close attention to your nervous system and readiness so you won’t be pushed to go faster than your system can handle. We also specialize in adapting the traditional EMDR protocol in ways that work better for neurodivergence, children, and attachment trauma by incorporating sensory supports, non-linear processing, play therapy, Internal Family Systems, and incorporating attachment-focused adaptations.

​

From The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA):​

"EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to focus briefly 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. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms. Ongoing research supports positive clinical outcomes, showing EMDR therapy as a helpful treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences (Maxfield, 2019). EMDR therapy has even been superior to Prozac in trauma treatment (Van der Kolk et al., 2007). Shapiro and Forrest (2016) share that EMDR therapists in 130 countries have successfully treated millions.

​

References​

​

Maxfield, L. (2019). A clinician’s guide to the efficacy of EMDR therapy. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research [Editorial], 13(4), 239-246.

​

Shapiro, F., & Forrest, M. S. (2016). EMDR: The breakthrough therapy for overcoming anxiety, stress, and trauma. Hachette UK

 

Van der Kolk, B.A., Spinazzola, J., Blaustein, M.E., Hopper, J.W., Hopper, E.K., Korn, D. L., & Simpson, W.B. (2007). A randomized clinical trial of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), fluoxetine, and pill placebo in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: treatment effects and long-term maintenance. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 68(1), 37-46.​