Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
(EMDR)

"The first modality that taught me that it’s possible to help me help people feel safe was EMDR." - Bessel Van der Kolk

EMDR is a model of therapy that helps people to heal from the symptoms and emotional impact of distressing life experiences. It's a structured approach that can make painful memories feel less intense and emotionally charged. This is done through gentle, guided bilateral stimulation - like moving your eyes from side to side - paired with a brief focusing on the trauma memory.

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Created in the 1980's by Dr. Francine Shapiro, EMDR is based on the idea that the mind can heal from psychological trauma just as much as the body can recover from physical injury. Sometimes, our brain gets "stuck" on distressing experiences, and just as a physical wound needs to be cleaned and tended to in order to heal, the brain may need guidance to clear blocks or barriers so natural healing can take place.​

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EMDR is best known for treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but can also be a helpful treatment for depression, anxiety, chronic pain, addiction, and other distressing life experiences. ​​Repeated studies show that EMDR can help people release the hold of painful memories more quickly than with talk therapy alone, allowing them to feel more present, liberated, and able to move forward in their lives.

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