Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Have you talked and talked and talked…

… but you’re still not getting the results you want?

Talk therapy has its benefits. It can take you to places you didn’t know existed in your mind, heal old and current wounds, and lead you to a brighter future.

But you might feel like you need something more. You’re at the edge of a cliff, but you need extra reassurance that your safety harness is secure, so you can enjoy the scenery.

Let’s back up to the beginning…

First of all… the name: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Huh?? Here we go…

Francine Shapiro, a prominent founder of EMDR, went for a walk and stopped for a rest by the lake. As she sat thinking, she noticed that her eyes began moving rapidly, diagonally, when she was disturbed by a particular thought.

After a series of these eye movements, she noticed that the initial thought didn’t have the same negative energy as it did in the beginning. She hypothesized that this bilateral stimulation could rebuild neuropathways, clearing out past disturbances to improve present and future functioning.

EMDR uses touch, sight, or sound to stimulate both sides of the brain, drawing on multiple sensory channels to enhance connection for healing and change. Shapiro used this method to help people recover from trauma and other adverse life experiences.

EMDR works on all sorts of conditions…

Whether it’s classic trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, or loss, EMDR can desensitize you so that your thoughts and memories aren’t as painful or disturbing as they are now.

Trauma can be defined in many ways, but my perspective is that if an experience was traumatic for the client, it is worth addressing clinically. This has proven to promote positive, healing relationships between my clients and me.

EMDR changes your brain so you can still remember what happened to you, but you stop blaming yourself. The negative event becomes just a small part of your life. It no longer defines who you are. Within a few months, all the traumatic events that used to paralyze you will become easier. It does not erase memories, but it will have less detail and little to no painful emotions when remembering these painful events.

The process runs a course: stabilization, working through the trauma, and reintegration/reconnection with society. In other words, it’s like going on a journey.

First, you will need to get ready for the trip. You need gas, food, water, and other basic needs to get you safely there.

What emotional skills will I need to develop to be ready to travel on this journey of change?

How will I know if I am stable enough to get through the roughest parts of my journey?

Second, travel through the dark forest of the unresolved past.

What conditions will need to be in place to return to the past and still know I am safe in the present?

Finally, arrive at your destination.

After I gain the stability to look at all my issues, I will take steps to put my goals into action in my life.

EMDR is not a magic pill.

We’ll create a targeted treatment plan to heal your memories, but it takes a lot of work to get from being “terrorized” to feeling the peace you long for.

But EMDR gives you access to the negative memories – without feeling overwhelmed or trapped in the past. It has the potential to transform emotional wounds quickly, offering you complete healing.

Don’t worry: The technique is gentle, we’ll go slowly, and you’ll be in a safe environment at all times as you gain more control over your emotions and behaviors.

Are you ready to live a better life?

Let’s begin your journey.

Healing will finally be possible. The fear will no longer control your life, your every move. You can finally face life with confidence.

Let’s take responsibility, ensure safety, take back your power and thrive in your value.

Call now for a free 15-minute consultation. Let’s talk about how EMDR can help: (626) 283-5852.