EMDR
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) relies on a client's own rapid, rhythmic eye movements, and is founded on the belief that these eye movements can weaken the intensity of emotionally charged memories. EMDR is most often used to treat PTSD or other traumas, but is also sometimes used for panic attacks, eating disorders, addictions, and anxiety. EMDR sessions can last up to 90 minutes, and usually starts with a client rating their level of distress. A therapist then typically moves their fingers in front of your face (or sometimes toe tapping or musical tones), asking you to follow along with your eyes, while you recall a traumatic event and all the sensations that come with it. You will gradually be guided by the therapist to shift thoughts from the traumatic experience to a more comforting one. The goal of EMDR is to make disturbing memories less immobilizing. Think this approach might be right for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s EMDR specialists today.
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Meet the specialists
I am EMDR trained since 2018 and has used EMDR with teens and adults in individual settings. I have advanced training & experience utilizing EMDR to treat complex & ongoing trauma (Ignacio Jarero’s EMDR-PRECI), addictions (AJ Popky’s DeTUR protocol), recent traumatic incidents (Ignacio Jarero’s EMDR ASSYST) and using EMDR through telehealth (Ignacio Jarero’s ASSYST remote). I currently serves adults in Dallas, TX & via telehealth in Texas, Florida, Louisiana & Oklahoma.
— Michelle Spurgeon, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Dallas, TX
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is an evidence-based therapy that was originally created for trauma. However, it is now used to unravel negative memories and to rewire neural pathways in the brain for a variety of issues. EMDR works by extricating those distressing memories so that while the memory still remains, it no longer triggers the same physiological responses in the body (anxiety, anger, panic, fear). You don't have to live with fear, anxiety or confusion anymore.
— Ashley Evans, Licensed Professional Counselor in Dallas, TXEMDR is an amazing, body-based therapy that can help process and support a wide-array of needs and struggles. Many neurodivergent folks have experienced trauma just by virtue of living in a world that wasn't designed for them. EMDR can help clear some of those triggers to move on to a lighter, more fully healed version of you.
— Laurie Sparks-Dennison, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
I am an EMDR certified therapist with numerous hours of continuing education beyond the basic training and certification. I have utilized EMDR with children, teens, and adults and continue to stay up to date on the modality. I have been providing EMDR since 2016.
— Leslie Boutte, Licensed Professional Counselor in Dallas, TXEMDR stands for Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy. It is a body mind integrated therapy that has been proven to be highly effective for those who have experienced trauma. I practice somatic an attachment focused EMDR, which allows the client to process distressing memories with less resistance.
— Paula Kirsch, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Ferndale, MI
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from different treatment approaches. EMDR therapy is an integrative psychotherapy and uses a technique called bilateral stimulation to repeatedly activate opposite sides of the brain.
— Sarah Thompson, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, COTrained and Certified EMDR Therapists are available to help today.
— Darby Integrative Counseling LLC, Psychotherapist in Silver Spring, MD
I was trained specifically in Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR. This differs from the standard model because of my focus on the somatic symptoms of your trauma as well as the attachment wounding that created the trauma response. I also focus on how your current reaction profile seems to keep you safe and connected so that together we do not challenge your "Answer", or set of defenses that help you manage distress and prevent abandonment.
— Matthew Taylor, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New Smyrna Beach, FLIn 2019, I continued my training in treatment for trauma and stressors through completion of EMDR training under Karen Alter-Reid, Ph.D. at National Institute for the Psychotherapies, and I am currently working on certification.
— Amy Emery, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Boston, MA
I am trained in EMDR and use this approach to support individual's recovering from depression, anxiety, PTSD and trauma, addictions, fears/phobias, chronic pain, any other issues. EMDR is an evidence-based practice and I find that this type of therapy is quite useful in supporting people in reaching their goals.
— Lauren Hadley, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Gatos, CAEMDR is a structured therapy that has you briefly focus on traumatic memories while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, sound from ear to ear, or alternating vibration from handheld units. Over time, this process can reduce the vividness and emotion associated with the memories.
— Khatya Albano, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Long Beach, CA
EMDR therapy provides a framework for safely and effectively diminishing the emotional and behavioral impact of traumatic events. We work with you to build your inner resources to address the traumatic material. Once these inner resources are established, we provide a therapeutic structure for you to process the hurt, fear, anger, or sadness and integrate more helpful ways of thinking about the past.
— Julianna Taillon, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Fullerton, CA