What is EMDR?

I also hold a certificate in, and practice a psychotherapy called, EMDR therapy.

How is EMDR therapy different from Gestalt Therapy?

EMDR therapy is the abbreviation for a type of psychotherapy called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. This therapy began primarily as a way to address the impact of trauma, particularly Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

EMDR therapy has expanded and is now being used effectively for many other problems as well. Rigorously controlled studies of EMDR therapy have been published that substantiate its usefulness. Numerous international organizations and government bodies have endorsed it, including:

  • The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
  • The US Department of Defense
  • The American Psychological Association
  • The American Psychiatric Association
  • The World Health Organization

What happens in a session?

In EMDR therapy, you receive bilateral sensory stimulation — such as eye movements, gentle tapping or sounds — while you focus on difficult feelings, anxiety, psychological and body symptoms or disturbing memories.

When EMDR is used in our work together, the natural processing abilities of your brain and nervous system and your healing abilities are activated, and your body-mind balance and wholeness are supported.

What kind of problems can EMDR therapy treat?

EMDR therapy is effective in treating individuals who have experienced psychological difficulties arising from traumatic experiences, such as assault, motor vehicle accidents, war trauma, torture, natural disasters, sexual abuse and childhood neglect.

EMDR is also increasingly used to treat complaints that are not necessarily trauma-related, such as panic disorder, phobias, performance anxiety, self-esteem issues and other anxiety-related disorders.

I like to describe your journey using EMDR therapy as taking a trip on a train… a European train (they are fast).

EMDR therapy is rapid, safe and effective. Therapists using this therapy have reported success in treatment of the following conditions:

  • Abuse, Anxiety, Trauma, Depression, Phobias
  • Grief, Panic attacks, Performance Anxiety
  • Addictions, Conflict, Anxiety disorders

Our work together lasts 50 minutes per session. The type of problem, life circumstances, and the amount of previous trauma will determine how many treatment sessions are necessary.