Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach designed to help individuals process and alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR involves a structured eight-phase protocol that incorporates bilateral stimulation, typically achieved through the guided rhythmic movement of the eyes, auditory tones, or tactile stimulation. The therapy aims to facilitate the adaptive processing of traumatic experiences by promoting the integration of disturbing memories with more adaptive information, ultimately reducing emotional distress and negative symptoms. EMDR is widely used for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but has also demonstrated efficacy in addressing various psychological conditions, including anxiety, depression, and phobias.

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Even when conducted through virtual Telehealth sessions, I have found EMDR to be incredibly useful in my work with clients who are struggling with processing a wide variety of traumatic experiences, helping to make them memories that the client is better able to practice curiosity around the experience, as well as engage more fully in their life overall.​