EMDR Therapy

EMDR, which stands for eye movement desensitization reprocessing, is an evidence-based, well researched and natural (utilizing the brain’s own healing mechanisms) therapeutic treatment. Developed in 1987 by Dr. Francine Shapiro, It has been gaining in popularity in recent years as word has spread about its ability to bring about effective change in a relatively short amount of time as well as treat challenging and complex trauma and anxiety. Innovations in EMDR treatment are becoming more common as it can be easily integrated with IFS (internal family systems), ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) and art therapy. I am informed and/or trained in the aforementioned modalities and weave them into my overall treatment depending on your preferences and goals. Understanding the core mechanisms and protocols are the foundation of safe and effective treatment. Working with a provider who is diligent and disciplined in the use of this powerful tool can make the difference between lackluster results and lasting shifts that open the door to healthier integration in the mind and body.

EMDR can be administered in person or virtually. I recommend in person EMDR sessions which I offer at my office in Pasadena. I use EMDR equipment such as a light bar and tappers to assist with consistent performance and comfort. EMDR online is also highly effective and I utilize software that supports eye movements in virtual sessions.

How does EMDR work?

All of us are equipped with a healing mechanisms in our brain that when “switched on” can increase processing speed and connectivity between thoughts, feelings, memories and body sensations. This mechanism is called the AIP (adaptive information processing). One of the ways we activate this process is through bilateral stimulation- where our right and left hemispheres of our brains (which are connected via our nervous system to the left and right sides of our bodies) are stimulated back and forth in a quick rhythmic way. This may explain REM (rapid eye movement) dream states which help us process our feelings and experiences from our lives more quickly.

When we apply bilateral stimulation to a target that we agree on, it can help release the disturbing and distressing “charge” of a traumatic or upsetting experience. Nothing about your trauma, reality or the facts of the events change in your mind. You change in your ability to move forward in a more integrated, empowered and healed way. 

An easy way of thinking about this through an old adage in psychology: “neurons that fire together, wire together”. Each time you think a thought or learn something new, neurons in your brain fire and physically wire with one another which reinforces future thoughts and memory. If you’ve had a negative thought about yourself many times, it builds a strong neural network. We all have more positive or adaptive thoughts about ourselves reminding us of our strengths and how we’ve navigated similar challenges in the past. If you don’t tend to think of this easily, it may be a weaker neural network and your brain is less likely to take that route when faced with stress. Part of my work with EMDR therapy is to strengthen these adaptive neural networks (like brain exercise!) that remind you of your strengths and capabilities. These inner resources are felt in the body as well and can have a powerful impact on how you navigate your world. 

What is EMDR used for?

EMDR initially became famous as a treatment for PTSD in war veterans. It now has the strongest recommendation for the treatment of PTSD by the US Department of Veteran Affairs. Over time, the wide application of this treatment became more recognized. It is also extremely useful for:

  • anxiety symptoms

  • phobias

  • OCD

  • disturbing or upsetting experiences

  • attachment wounds

  • depression

  • disaster recovery

  • unresolved traumas from the past (not necessarily PTSD)

  • grief

  • lack of confidence and self esteem due to past experiences

  • consult with me to see if your challenge may be a fit for EMDR

What does this look like in the therapy room?

EMDR treatment takes place over the course of eight phases. The “famous” part, eye movements, is just one phase! There is much to unpack and learn in the other phases of treatment and I’m careful to use each phase in its proper time. There are providers who immediately skip ahead to eye movements, missing the other valuable stages where treatment is tied together and integrated into life.

In these phases we identify and map out traumatic and upsetting incidents in your life, connect them to beliefs you have formed about yourself and also map out positive (or adaptive) memories and beliefs. I also teach you coping tools and resources, weave in important lessons and realizations you are having into your life and help you apply this growth to the way you want to move forward. This can easily tie into talk therapy and other therapeutic work and we can focus on our EMDR targets or get into other topics depending on your needs on a weekly basis. I’m flexible in this regard and I am happy to collaborate with you.

EMDR is a passion for me and it is an honor to provide this to the community. I have been training in and studying EMDR since 2019 and have earned the credential of EMDR Certified Therapist. If you have any questions about how EMDR can help you, contact me for a free consultation.