What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.

In the wake of trauma — which by one definition can mean any situation or event that overwhelms your body and ability to cope — oftentimes we do not receive the space or care that we need to fully process the pain or make sense of what happened to us. Oftentimes that is like leaving a piece of glass stuck in our hand. Our bodies otherwise have the ability to process and heal themselves, but trauma — much like a piece of glass stuck in our hand — prevents our brains and systems from being able to fully close the loop. This can leave us feeling like we are stuck in or reliving the moment of harm, often through triggers, flashbacks, relational difficulties, and other embodied felt symptoms.

EMDR is a tool that can help remove the piece of glass from our hand, so to speak, and come alongside our bodies natural ability to process information and allow a traumatic memory to be stored more adaptively and correctly.

I integrate EMDR within a relational, story-centered approach to therapy. If this is something you might be interested in, or want to learn more about incorporating it in your healing journey, please contact me and we can set up a time where I can explain EMDR a little more in depth and answer any questions you may have!