EMDR Therapy
"The thing that EMDR therapy does so beautifully is to remove the barrier so that the client can begin connecting the positives and safety of the present with the pain of the past"
- Jim Knipe
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a powerful form therapy that can be used to address various psychological issues ranging from trauma & PTSD, to phobias, to anxiety & depression.
EMDR is considered to be a memory consolidation therapy that reduced psychological distress and improves emotional resilience through combing exposure and bilateral stimulation. Bilateral stimulation involves rhythmic, alternating, body movements that engage both the left and right hemispheres of the brain. This bilateral engagement of the body and brain supports emotional and physiological regulation. From this calmer, more regulated state, clients are able to re-process memories in a way that leaves them with a more cohesive, less distressing, understanding of what happened and its impact on them.
While EMDR therapy traditionally used side-to-side eye movements,
we know that any sort of bi-lateral stilumation has the same effect of activating both hemispheres of the brain. Our therapists will use whatever form of bilateral stimulation that feels best for you. That might include alternate foot tapping, arm tapping, electronic paddles vibrating in one’s hands, or headphones through which alternating tones can be heard. These alternating tones, movements, and vibrations have powerful positive effects on nervous system regulation.
EMDR is a bit different from traditional talk therapy, where information is flowing between therapist and client in a conversational manner. Here, the client does most of the talking, sharing the experiences that are coming up for them. The clinician acts as a guide, supporting the client so their brain & body can do what they innately know how to do in order to heal.
It is important to note that EMDR is not hypnosis. Memories are not eliminated or forgotten, they are merely re-processed and integrated in a healthy way with reduced negative emotional charge.
EMDR is effective in treating childhood trauma, PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, depression, phobias, grief, and many other challenges clients face.
Trauma & PTSD
trauma & PTSD stuff
Depression & Anxiety
Deperssion & anxiety info
Grief & Loss
Grief & loss info