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

Pa Tou Vue, MS, LPCC

White Bear Lake

Minnesota

TELEHEALTH ONLY Hello! I am a licensed professional clinical counselor in Minnesota and am also fully licensed as a Professional Counselor in Wisconsin. I have worked with clients throughout the lifespan struggling with a range of issues including but not limited to domestic violence, physical/sexual abuse, assault, neglect, grief, relationship struggles, other life transitions, and parenting…

EMDR Urban Healing Center

Chicago

Illinois

Intuitive, resourceful clinical therapist. Highly regarded for a creative, empowering and strengths-based approach to counseling, building instant rapport and trust with clients from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Tonya uses trauma-informed, innovative and adaptable treatment strategies, based on research and current best practices. As a clinician, she’s adept at helping clients assess a...

Susanna Elliot, LMFTA, CCTS

Raleigh

North Carolina

Susanna is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate. She specializes in the treatment of complex trauma, dissociative disorders, and pregnancy & infant loss. She holds a Master of Arts in Marriage, Family, & Individual Counseling and is a fully trained EMDR Therapist. She also holds an advanced studies Certificate in Complex Trauma & Dissociation from The International...
*SORRY, I’M NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME* Life can be complicated and counseling can help. People seek counseling to make life better. Relationship issues, medical challenges, trouble healing from the past, unexpected changes, and stress can get in the way of enjoying life. Good counseling builds on your skills and strengths to solve problems and make life better. I provide a safe spa...
8 Signs you should see a Therapist • Everything you feel is intense • You've suffered a trauma and you can't seem to stop thinking about it • You have unexplained and recurrent headaches, stomach-aches or a rundown immune system • You're getting bad feedback at work • You're using a substance to cope • You feel disconnected from previously beloved activities • Your relationships are strained •...