What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a therapy that aims to de-condition the body from reacting to traumatic material that our brains have repressed. Sometimes trauma is easily recognizable and sometimes it is harder to identify. We are trained to notice trauma and its effects, and use EMDR to provide you with relief. EMDR is most commonly recommended for PTSD, but is helpful for a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, phobias, panic disorder, sleeping issues, and OCD.

What is trauma?

Trauma is your reaction to a life-threatening or unsettling event. This response can be immediate or build up over time, leading to damaging consequences if not resolved.  

Some of the experiences that may cause trauma include:

• Bullying or humiliation
• Childhood neglect or abandonment
• Discrimination or oppression over race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or culture
• Loss of a loved one
• Motorized accident (e.g., car, train, plane, boat, machinery)
• Natural disasters
• Physical, emotional, or mental abuse
• Severe medical condition or injury
• Violent attack or criminal act
• Warfare or combat activities
• Witnessing someone else go through a traumatic incident

Some of these events may seem “bigger” than others, yet they all have the potential to leave open wounds or unhealed scars behind. 

What is post-traumatic stress?

When you go through a traumatic experience (e.g., a house fire), your nervous system may trigger a fight, flight, or freeze response to keep you safe. You might do everything you can to contain the flames, run out of the house to an outdoor area, or stay put and wait for help. As you try to protect yourself from danger, you may experience distressing thoughts, emotions, and sensations.

Once the fire is out and safety is restored, your mind and body may start to settle and eventually calm down. Yet, sometimes, people endure long-term physical, emotional, and mental consequences of the traumatic episode, also known as post-traumatic stress. This means that certain triggers (e.g., fire, smoke, fire truck siren) may bring back recollections of the incident and spark the same reaction.

What is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)?

When you go through a traumatic experience (e.g., a house fire), your nervous system may trigger a fight, flight, or freeze response to keep you safe. You might do everything you can to contain the flames, run out of the house to an outdoor area, or stay put and wait for help. As you try to protect yourself from danger, you may experience distressing thoughts, emotions, and sensations.

Once the fire is out and safety is restored, your mind and body may start to settle and eventually calm down. Yet, sometimes, people endure long-term physical, emotional, and mental consequences of the traumatic episode, also known as post-traumatic stress. This means that certain triggers (e.g., fire, smoke, fire truck siren) may bring back recollections of the incident and spark the same reaction.

Do I need EMDR therapy? Does my child need EMDR therapy?

Common signs of post-traumatic stress include:

• Avoiding people, places, or anything that reminds you of trauma
• Constant state of vigilance and fear
• Excessive worry or nervousness
• Flashbacks or nightmares about the traumatic incident
• Guilt or shame
• Helplessness or self-esteem issues
• Intrusive thoughts or emotions about the experience
• Lack of energy, focus, and motivation
• Mood swings or irritability
• Sleep problems

While EMDR is mostly used to address trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it’s also an effective approach to treat other conditions, such as:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Panic attacks and panic disorder
• Phobias
• Sleep problems

If you or your child are experiencing any of these conditions or signs of post-traumatic stress, EMDR Therapy can provide relief.