What is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy?

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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy uses eye movements, lights, and neuroscience to treat individuals who experienced trauma or have other mental health concerns. It’s designed to be short-term but can be combined with more traditional forms of talk therapy if deemed necessary.

EMDR allows the brain to process traumatic memories, negative images, or distressing thoughts by unlocking them. Instead of being “frozen” in place, EMDR allows the brain to heal from the distressing event through specific eye movements.

Your therapist will assess whether the approach to counseling is a good fit for you. Individuals who experience trauma, are diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or have anxiety or panic disorders could benefit from EMDR.

Your EMDR therapist will ask you to recall a specific experience, memory, image, thought, or idea that is particularly distressing to you. Using either tapping, eye movements, or particular sounds, your counselor will ask you to focus and notice what comes up in your body during the session. This eye stimulation combined with your focus on your traumatic memory allows the memory to be processed and fade in intensity.

EMDR’s goal is not to forget any traumatic memories, but to no longer be triggered by them.

Therapists Who Specialize in Using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy

Dr. Jennifer Burruel

Phoenix

Arizona

Life can be demanding and stressful, even when things are going well. This is especially true for high achievers. High achievers have a great number of strengths that have helped them be successful. However, high achievers often struggle with stress, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, uneven work/life balance, role overload/conflict, and interpersonal relationship challenges. These struggles can…

Katharina Krison LCSW

Flagstaff

Arizona

It takes bravery to reach out and allow someone else in on our personal healing journey. I believe in meeting people where they are, and equipping them with the tools they need to walk into healing and connect with deeper insight and peace. Walking through trauma, chronic pain, and grief are oftentimes some of the most difficult winters that a person can face, but allowing oneself to bravely be...

Aaron Galloway

Nevada City

California

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Nevada City, CA and also offer virtual sessions in California, Montana, and Colorado. It is my passion to collaborate with young adults and adults in their healing and self-discovery journeys. I strive to bring my clients cutting-edge therapy options to get to the root of their behavior patterns and help them develop updated ways of responding to their ...