EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy) is a three-pronged, eight-phase treatment approach and scientifically established method of treatment for Post Traumatic Stress. It has been found to vastly improve many conditions related to PTSD such as disturbing memories, nightmares, panic attacks and Panic Disorder, complicated grief, chronic pain, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, addictions, sexual/physical abuse, stress reduction, stress response, phobias, attachment disorder, body dysmorphic disorder and depressive disorders.

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How Does It Work:  When an individual experiences a trauma, their anxiety level can be so high, that the brain cannot process the information from the trauma as it normally would. The trauma becomes "stuck " in the brain. The events and emotions of the trauma are stored as if they are still happening instead of something that happened in the past. This can have lasting effects on the way this individual sees the world, sees themselves, and relates to other people, manifesting into negative beliefs or cognitions about who they are and/or negative patterns of behavior that they cannot seem to stop.

 

Have you ever been told to "get a good night's sleep" before an exam? This is because REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, processes information you have studied, and stores it in the right locations in your brain to recall it when you need it. In REM sleep, your eyes move back and forth, which stimulates both sides of your brain. During EMDR, we simulate this stimulation of both sides of your brain in order to process the trauma. After successful EMDR, people remember the trauma but no longer feel they are “re-living” it upon recalling the memory, and feel detached from the distressing emotions that were associated with it. They are able to see the trauma with a new, empowered perspective and in a different light.

 

What is the processing phase of EMDR like? Processing of the trauma using side to side stimulation of the brain is called BLS or "bilateral stimulation." This can be done with eye movements, tapping, tones or buzzers held in each hand that alternate sides. During bilateral stimulation, you are not hypnotized or unconscious. You are in full control of the session and may stop or take a break at any time. You are also not required to talk about the trauma during processing. My approach with EMDR is very gentle, supportive, and warm. Since the goal of trauma work is to empower you, I never push my clients farther than they are willing to go. When you feel you are in control of the process, you will begin to lose the feeling of “powerlessness” as it relates to your trauma and take back control over your life!

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Fees:

Sessions are 90 minutes in length; 15 minutes of check in and setting intention of session, 60 minutes of desensitization and reprocessing, and 15 minutes of gentle processing/closing out session.

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§155 per session (sliding scale available)

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How many sessions do I need? Please note that EMDR therapy can and should be integrated with traditional psychotherapy. The number of sessions of EMDR should be determined by your trauma history, treatment plan and agreed upon objective. Please contact me for more information.

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Cancellation Policy: Life happens! However, appointments are made to reserve a specific time slot just for you, which means a minimum of 24 hours notice is required for rescheduling or cancelling any appointment. The full fee will be charged for sessions missed or rescheduled without prior notification. Thank you for your understanding.