Putting the Past in the Past

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy developed by Francine Shapiro (1989) to help individuals process and heal from traumatic or distressing life experiences. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds—to activate both hemispheres of the brain while focusing on a targeted memory. This process allows the brain to reprocess the memory in a way that reduces emotional intensity and supports adaptive resolution.

“EMDR therapy facilitates the accessing and processing of traumatic memories and other adverse life experiences to bring these to an adaptive resolution.”
(Shapiro, 2018)

EMDR often feels like taking a step back and watching your inner world unfold — noticing what comes up without needing to judge, fix, or explain everything. Some people feel intense emotions during sessions; others feel calm and reflective. Many are surprised by the insights or memories that arise. All of it is welcome.

Bilateral stimulation (BLS) is typically done in short sets — around 30–60 seconds — while you hold the memory or sensation in mind. After each set, I’ll ask something like, “What do you notice now?” This gentle back-and-forth helps your brain process the memory naturally.

There’s no one right experience — EMDR meets you where you are. Your only job is to notice.

 EMDR therapy focuses on the following three objectives:

1. Process past events and the groundwork of dysfunction
2. Target the current circumstances that elicit distress
3. Assist in the adaptive functioning of future events

EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which proposes that trauma can become "stuck" in the brain in an unprocessed form. When this happens, reminders of the event can continue to trigger overwhelming thoughts, feelings, or physical reactions—even years later.

During EMDR, clients briefly recall disturbing memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation, which helps the brain "digest" the memory in a healthier, more integrated way. As a result, the memory becomes less distressing and no longer triggers the same emotional or physical response.

EMDR is not hypnosis. The Client is fully present and in control of themselves and the session. The therapist provides a supportive environment and works to help the client remain in "dual attunement" - aware of the distressing memories but aware of their location in this present moment. This attunement allows the body and mind to reprocess past experiences and truly disconnect them from the present moment or future situations.

EMDR is best known for its effectiveness in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but research supports its use for a wide range of issues, including:

• Childhood trauma or neglect
   
• Anxiety and panic disorders
   
• Phobias
   
• Grief and complicated loss
   
• Medical trauma
   
• Performance anxiety
   
• Depression
   
• Disturbing memories or intrusive thoughts
   

EMDR is recognized as an effective treatment by organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA), World Health Organization (WHO), and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

EMDR may appeal to clients who:

• Feel stuck in talk therapy or want a different, less verbal approach
   
• Are overwhelmed by specific memories, flashbacks, or body-based reactions
   
• Prefer structured, goal-focused therapy
   
• Want to reduce distress without re-telling or deeply analyzing every detail of their trauma
   
• Are seeking a holistic approach that integrates mind and body healing
   

Many clients report that EMDR feels intuitive, empowering, and deeply transformative — especially those who want to feel relief without needing to relive every painful moment in full detail. Because EMDR allows for reprocessing of memories, it is not necessary to relive them in the ways that other therapies might require. This makes it a gentler approach for many to find healing and freedom.

EMDR is a structured therapy with eight phases, each designed to support you through the healing process at your own pace. While it’s often a powerful experience, EMDR is also a flexible and adaptive approach — there’s no "right or wrong" way to do it. Your experience is unique to you, and you’ll be guided and supported every step of the way.

1. History Taking & Treatment Planning
   We explore your background, identify what you'd like to work on, and ensure EMDR is a good fit. This includes learning about past events, current symptoms, and your personal strengths and supports.
    
2. Preparation
   You’ll learn tools for emotional regulation and nervous system grounding to help you feel safe and in control. We’ll also talk about how EMDR works and what you can expect along the way.
    
3. Assessment
   Together, we identify the specific memory (or memories) you’d like to work on and how they currently affect you — including beliefs, emotions, and body sensations tied to that memory.
    
4. Desensitization
   This is where the active processing begins. Using bilateral stimulation (BLS) — usually through eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones — we begin to gently engage your brain’s natural healing system. You’ll focus on the memory while I guide you in short sets of BLS and ask you to notice what comes up — thoughts, feelings, body sensations, or images.
   There’s no pressure to respond a certain way. The goal is not to force anything, but to allow your brain and body to do what they need to do to process and release.
    
5. Installation
   Once the memory begins to feel less distressing, we work to strengthen a positive belief that you want to associate with the experience (e.g., “I am safe now” or “I did the best I could”).
    
6. Body Scan
   We check in with your body to notice and process any lingering sensations or tension. This helps ensure that the memory has been fully processed not just cognitively, but somatically (in the body).
    
7. Closure
   Whether we fully process the memory in one session or not, we always take time to help you feel grounded, safe, and regulated before ending. You’ll leave with tools to support you between sessions.
    
8. Reevaluation
   At the beginning of the next session, we revisit what was processed and assess how things feel now. We’ll decide together what the next steps are and continue as needed.