What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a form of psychotherapy first discovered and studied by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. in the late 1980s. Dr. Shapiro found that moving one’s eyes repetitively in one direction, and then in the opposite direction, in a fashion similar to that which occurs during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, had a desensitizing effect on sources of anxiety. Since then, hundreds of studies have been produced and EMDR has become recognized as effective treatment for PTSD. The Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association (EMDRIA) emerged in 1995 “to establish, maintain and promote the highest standards of excellence and integrity in EMDR practice, research and education” (EMDR Institute, 2020).

I completed Basic EMDR Training with Roy Kiessling, LISW, founder of EMDR Consulting and creator of the EMDRIA-approved course, in early March 2020. I am excited to offer this robust therapy to my clients to support them in re-processing traumatic events, addressing sources of anxiety, challenging persistent negative self-beliefs, arriving at new insights, and breaking unhelpful patterns of behavior. If you are seeing me for EMDR via telehealth I may use technology to help guide eye movements, or have you provide other forms of bilateral stimulation for yourself. If you have certain conditions, such as epilepsy, vertigo, or head injury, I may request to speak to your physician or specialist to make sure the stimulation is not contraindicated. I have been using EMDR interventions to online clients with positive outcomes since I completed training. I also continue to participate in furthering my EMDR education, with trainings and connection to other professionals, as much as possible. Connect with me to ask more about EMDR and how it can help!