Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

(EMDR)

One of the most effective therapies for treating trauma*, EMDR helps clients process or move “stuck” traumatic or upsetting material by asking the client to briefly focus on the memory while experiencing bilaterial stimulation (usually eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the intensity or vividness of the memory and the emotions/cognitions it triggers. It helps trauma get “unstuck” so the brain can go through its natural healing process. Unlike other treatments for trauma, clients are not required to rehash or go into depth discussing the painful details of the memory in session, and EMDR has been shown to lead to symptom reduction faster than other trauma treatments.

I use EMDR to help clients with: PTSD, military sexual trauma, early childhood trauma, attachment and relationship trauma, moral injury, anxiety & depression.


How does EMDR work?

  1. First, we’ll engage in a preparation process where I teach mindfulness and grounding techniques, in addition to pinpointing specific areas of your experiences that you find most troubling.
  2. Next, we focus on decreasing the intensity of these experiences by bringing them briefly to focus as you experience bilateral stimulation (techniques such as eye movements or tapping) to reprocess, reorganize, and desensitize the memory.
  3. Finally, we shift focus to your current life and also future scenarios, applying similar techniques to decrease maladaptive thoughts and feelings in the present moment, and fortify helpful perspectives for future engagement.
Miranda holding up a blue book entitled The Body Keeps The Score.
  • Process trauma or difficult memories to reduce emotional distress
  • Clear stuck memories and unhelpful thoughts/feelings and accesses your mind and body’s natural capacity to heal
  • Address both past trauma and current challenges to build strength and resilience for the future