Eye Movement Desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that helps people heal from trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and other emotional wounds. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on helping the brain to reprocess distressing memories so they no longer cause emotional pain or discomfort. 

If you think of your brain like a filing cabinet, all of our memories and experiences get filed away where they belong and it keeps them nice and organized. When something traumatic happens, the brain may not process the experience properly. The memory can become "stuck" and can pop up at a time that is least convenient. 

EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories using bilateral stimulation- through eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones- allowing the brain to integrate and "file away" the experience where it then becomes a learning experience and not a traumatic memory. 

1. History Taking and Treatment Planning
   In this phase, we're going to focus on getting to know one another. I'll ask you a lot of questions to gather information about your history, current concerns, and goals. We'll identify the experiences that may be contributing to your symptoms.
2. Preparation
   This phase focuses on building trust and going through the psychoeducation of EMDR and work on coping skills such as deep breathing and guided visualization to help manage emotional reactions.
3. Assessment
   In this phase, we will build our map and identify images, thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations related to the memory.
4. Desensitization
   This is where the bilateral stimulation comes in!
5. Installation
   The goal here is to strengthen positive beliefs that replace the old negative ones associated with the trauma.
6. Body Scan
   Even after the memory feels less disturbing, the body can still hold on to tension so we'll work on that in this phase. 
7. Closure
   This is where we will return to a calm state once the memory is fully processed.
8. Reevaluation
   Continue to evaluate how you're feeling and adjust as needed.