Eye Movement Desentization Reprocessing

What is an EMDR session like?

EMDR is a gentle, evidence-based therapy that helps your brain process experiences that may still feel stuck. Sometimes, even when we know something happened in the past, our mind and body can continue to react as though it’s happening in the present.

During EMDR, we first identify the negative belief you may be holding onto about yourself such as "I'm not good enough." We then briefly go over the headlines of what you want to work on (no details, just headlines) and make sure you have the tools to feel safe and grounded. When you are ready for an EMDR session we will set up the target of distress together, gently noticing the thought, emotion, and body sensation together with series of bi-lateral stimulation.

You don’t have to tell every detail or relive the experience. Instead, EMDR helps your brain work through what happened and create new connections around it. The distress lessens and your body feels lighter. As the memory becomes less emotionally charged, it begins to feel more like “that happened then” instead of “this is happening now.”

The goal is to help you feel less controlled by the past and more calm, present, and connected to yourself in the here and now. This is EMDR.