Eye Movement Desensitization + Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

You’ve been struggling for a long time. Too long. But you can’t quite figure out why nothing is working. You feel stuck.

You’ve tried talk therapy, you exercise, meditate, eat well. But you hurt. You’re on edge, or maybe it’s the rage, sadness or anxiety that keeps showing up. It’s effecting your relationships, your work and you just want to feel like you again, or a better version of the you you remember. Perhaps you’ve consulted your medical provider to talk about the physical symptoms you’ve noticed, but everything checks out. When you peel back the layers, you know that underneath these difficult emotions, the physical symptoms, there’s something more— negative beliefs about yourself. Maybe you feel you’re not worthy, or call yourself a failure, say I’m unloveable, I’m shameful, or I’m not safe. You feel stuck. 

You’re wondering if you will ever feel like you again. Yes, yes you will!

What is EMDR? 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based integrative psychotherapy approach that alleviates emotional distress associated with disturbing memories.

EMDR Therapy is a powerful and cutting edge treatment that enables people to heal from the emotional distress of painful life experiences and trauma. A breakthrough approach that has been extensively researched and used by clinicians for over 20 years, EMDR Therapy can bring quick and lasting relief to those suffering from emotional distress. EMDR Therapy accesses the brain’s natural tendency to heal by stimulating both sides of the brain through the use of eye movements, taps, or sounds.

The structured protocol of EMDR helps the client navigate through negative beliefs about themselves and the thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations associated with past negative life events or traumatic incidents.

During EMDR, the client focuses on specific aspects of a disturbing memory (e.g., image, beliefs, emotions, and sensations). At the same time, the therapist provides “bilateral stimulation,” using eye movements, alternating sounds, or hand-held pulsars. The combination of bilateral stimulation with the therapist’s guidance facilitates an updated, adaptive integration of the memory. The result is relief of symptoms in the present, negative beliefs about the self are revised while adaptive beliefs for dealing with issues in the future are integrated, and physiological discomfort associated with the memory neutralizes.

Initially known as a treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, EMDR Therapy is now widely accepted as an effective treatment for a multitude of psychological issues including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, low self-esteem, issues from childhood, fears/phobias, feelings of powerlessness or lack of control, and more!

EMDR Treatment Options

EMDR is offered both in individual sessions and also in a group format.

A Group? To talk about these experiences with other people?! Yes, well sort of. EMDR is available in a group, but you don’t have to share any details. The format allows for healing from a trauma without having to verbally share one’s trauma narrative. This can be a great fit for people who want to resolve issues they are struggling with but don’t have the time or finances to be in individual therapy for an extended period of time. Groups are either 60 - 90 minutes for 6 weeks (the length does vary depending on how fast the group moves), or one evening and one full day. The group focuses on processing specific traumatic memories so that they can be more adaptively stored and understood. The processing takes place using a combination of art therapy and self-tapping that is taught during the group. Members of the group will also learn and practice coping strategies that allow one to feel grounded and safe, just like in an individual session.

Upcoming groups are listed on this page.

For more information about group or individual EMDR therapy, contact me for a free 20 minute consultation. You can schedule that appointment right here or email me at rachel@rachelrabinor.com.