What is EMDR?
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that helps you in a different way than talk therapy
Available in New Hampshire & Online in Massachusetts and Maine
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing. It is a research-backed treatment for trauma endorsed by the World Health Organization, the Department of Defense, and the American Psychiatric Association.
What is trauma?
Trauma can be anything that causes the mind, body, or spirit to be overwhelmed. Sometimes when you experience a stressful or traumatic event, the effects linger and cause distress.
During a traumatic event, a chemical reaction happens in your brain and body that doesn’t allow you to process the event the same way you would other memories. Because it’s unprocessed, it doesn’t act like other memories. Instead of remembering it, you can feel like you are reliving it.
How does EMDR help and why is it different?
In EMDR, you do not need to put language to your experience. Unlike some other therapies for trauma, you do not have to relive the painful experience moment by moment. Instead, the traumatic memory gets linked up with positive, useful resources in the brain so you can recall the event without the emotional or physical charge or reliving the experience all over again.
EMDR works by supporting your brain in processing traumatic memories so that they become part of your past, and no longer affect the present.
How does EMDR feel? What happens in a session?
Some clients describe the process as feeling like rapid daydreaming, watching a slide show, or active meditation.
EMDR creates dual awareness, meaning that while you remember the distressing event, you will also stay oriented in your mind and body by focusing on visual or physical stimuli.
EMDR was originally developed using eye movements—hence the name. However, with years of research behind it, we have many tools we can customize to your preferences to assist in the healing process. For example, you may prefer “pulsers” that you hold (which create a gentle buzzing sensation), tapping your knees, or alternating sounds through headphones. These are all possible options.
How long does EMDR take to work?
When you arrive for your first appointment you bring along a unique story, experiences, goals, needs, and perceptions. There are eight phases to EMDR, and we may have more of an idea of how long once we talk about your history and discuss the work you would like to do. For single-incident trauma, the treatment can be quicker. For long-term childhood injuries, it is generally a longer healing process.
