*I am an EMDR certified therapist
EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) is one of the most well-researched and evidence-based trauma treatments and has been found to be more effective than trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for treating PTSD. While many people have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has made getting treatment and therapy more safe and convenient than ever. Telehealth has been proven to be just as effective as in person therapy, and trauma therapies like EMDR can also safely be done virtually.
Interested in EMDR? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation!
Who and what is EMDR good for?
EMDR is a top psychotherapy treatment for PTSD, anxiety, grief, phobias, depression, and other distressing experiences. EMDR does not have to be limited to stereotypical traumatic events such as a sexual assault, being in a war zone or natural disaster. Many people effectively heal through EMDR treatment from events such as divorce, distressing childhood experiences/memories, grief and loss, car accidents, and other life changes. EMDR is highly effective for but not limited to:
- Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
- Chronic Illness and medical issues
- Depression and bipolar disorders
- Eating disorders
- Grief and loss
- Personality disorders
- PTSD and other trauma and stress-related issues
- Sexual assault
- Sleep disturbance
- Violence and abuse
No one can tell you what is and is not considered distressing or traumatic. We all have our own experiences and they are all valid.
How does EMDR work? What can I expect from treatment?
Therapies like CBT involve changing unhelpful beliefs and behaviors through cognitive (thinking) exercises. EMDR is more of an emotional processing framework to assist us in getting in touch with and healing earlier parts of ourselves that may be preventing us from healing and moving past our current challenges. EMDR is very somatic and body focused, which is amazing for building reconnection with our bodies and selves in a very holistic way. I love this explanation from the EMDR International Association:
EMDR therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain. For
many clients, EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than other
psychotherapies.EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or
completing homework between sessions. EMDR therapy, rather than focusing on changing the
emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue, allows the brain to
resume its natural healing process.
While EMDR treatment is customized to fit every individual and their needs, EMDR treatment usually lasts between 12-16 sessions. Treatment is different for everyone and may be ongoing, but many people begin to see improvement within 3 sessions. We will spend several sessions practicing coping skills together, getting comfortable with each other, and installing safety exercises so that by the time we get to EMDR sessions and processing trauma, you are feeling confident in your own ability to heal. Unlike more cognitive-focused therapies, EMDR does not involve homework in between sessions, as your brain will continue to process from our work together throughout the weeks.
One of the reasons I am so passionate about sharing and providing EMDR as a treatment is because I truly believe in it and am very grateful that there are treatments such as this. Many years ago, I had done EMDR sessions with my own therapist and it made a major impact on my life. I had never heard of EMDR before then, but after experiencing how powerful and helpful this treatment was for myself, I knew I had to get trained and certified in this so I could share it!
If you would like to do your own research on EMDR, EMDRIA is a great resource. This video may also be helpful:
Do you have a question about EMDR treatment? Feel free to send me an email!
I am currently licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Massachusetts, currently accepting new clients in those states! If you’d like to schedule a free 15 minute consultation to see if we’d be a good match for your goals, you can do so here!