Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
In my practice, I hold a perspective that healing from distressing experiences requires more than just words. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy offers a unique approach that sets it apart from traditional talk therapy. Instead of focusing on changing your thoughts or emotions surrounding a traumatic event, EMDR guides you to tap into your brain’s natural healing process. This is done through the gentle stimulation of bilateral movement, similar to the natural rhythmic patterns we experience during REM sleep.
Bilateral movement in EMDR can take several forms, including following a moving hand or light bar with your eyes, engaging in tactile tapping with handheld buzzers or self-tapping, or listening to alternating auditory tones through headphones. This experiential method allows us to access the root of your pain directly, helping your body to complete the healing process it inherently knows how to undertake.
As you well know, your senses are a vital link to your nervous system, which is central to your mental well-being and sense of self. Interestingly, our bodies often react and process stimuli much faster than our minds can keep up. For this reason, talking is kept to a minimum during the reprocessing phase of EMDR so that the body can respond in just the way it knows how and we minimize interference. We aim to create an environment where your body can naturally metabolize what has been stuck, allowing you to move forward without repeatedly recounting the overwhelm and discomfort. You can live in a different relationship to your experience.
While EMDR is widely known for its effectiveness in treating PTSD and trauma, it has also been extensively researched for its benefits in addressing anxiety, depression, OCD, eating disorders, chronic pain, addictions, and other challenging life experiences. Many individuals find that EMDR helps reduce the vividness and emotional charge linked to maladaptive memory networks, paving the way for restoration of natural rhythms and renewed well-being.
EMDR is an 8-phase model.
My perspective on the EMDR model is that it always running in the background as we explore your lived experience and integrate resources blending in the reprocessing sequence organically and appropriately in rhythm with your body’s capacity. In our sessions, you can expect a trusting and supportive environment where honesty, vulnerability, and self-expression are encouraged. We’ll work together to ensure you feel well-resourced with regulation skills, groundings practices, and a supportive network. It’s essential that you are in a stable environment to receive this care.
EMDR follows an 8-phase model, guiding you through each step with clarity and understanding. You’ll be informed throughout the process, ensuring that you feel present to and aware of your experience and your progress.
If you’re ready to explore a natural body-oriented sequence to healing that honors both your mental and physical experiences, I’m here to support you. Together, we can navigate the complexities of your healing trajectory, supporting you reclaim your sense of peace and well-being.
Curious if EMDR may be a good fit for you?
You can learn more through the resources shared or feel welcome to schedule a free call with me to talk about what you are seeking at this time and to learn if we may be a good match for your goals.
Getting Past Your Past by Francine Shapiro, PhD (creator of EMDR)
Click ‘play’ for a brief video introduction to EMDR with Kase & Co founder, Rebecca Kase, LCSW and consultants of Kase & Co.
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EMDR is an 8-phase intervention. Reprocessing or utilizing bilateral stimulation is only one phase and while foundational to the effectiveness of treatment there is more to this.
In the reprocessing phase, we access memory networks that often hold multiple experiences that have become connected in our wiring. Reprocessing allows our brain and body to metabolize what’s stuck and initiate rewiring into our adaptive memories to create a new relationship with the experience.
The reprocessing experience is unique to you. We do not rush and there are no timeline expectations in this phase of care nor in the comprehensive intervention.
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You are not required to have EMDR to receive therapeutic care with me. You will never be pressured, rushed, or coerced into this treatment or any other intervention.
EMDR is an intentional structured activation of your pain resultant of trauma with the therapeutic goal of restructuring your relationship to the experience allowing for release, healing, and healthy connection. This mental and physical activation may be an intense experience and is likely the root of why you are seeking help. There are many pathways to access healing and many options are available to you.
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Yes.
Identifying and indicating your limits is healing and also built into the EMDR process. You can stop session or interrupt treatment at any time with no explanation and no questions asked. This is true of any intervention that may be used in the therapeutic setting.
We will also agree upon and practice a stop signal that you can use.
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EMDR has the potential to shift your relationship with a dysfunctional experience allowing you to live and function in a more healthful way with the imagery and somatic memory.
About my training and specialization:
I have completed EMDR Basic Training as well as specialized coursework in EMDR Advanced Training, EMDR and Somatic Therapy Advanced Training, and am currently on an EMDR certification track. I am receiving direct consultation with Kase & Co.