1. What can I expect with EMDR therapy?

EMDR includes 8 phases. The first is History Taking, where the therapist gets to know you. Next, is Preparation, where the therapist explains the process and teaches you healthy coping skills to manage distress (ex. relaxation or grounding). The third phase is Assessment. During this phase, the therapist help you identify specific memories or beliefs to reprocess. Phases 4-7 are focused on using the back-and-forth eye movements to reprocess and properly integrate the traumatic memory. These phases help you desensitize the trauma memories and strengthen positive beliefs about yourself. The final phase is Reevaluation, where you and the therapist will assess progress and make sure the trauma memories no longer hold the same negative emotional charge for you.

2. How is EMDR different than traditional trauma therapy?

Unlike traditional trauma therapy, EMDR does not require you to verbally process traumatic memories. Meaning, you do not need to tell the therapist your entire trauma experience, which can often feel very overwhelming. Instead, EMDR involves briefly focusing on specific memories or sensations while engaging in the back-and-forth eye movements. Pairing the memories and the eye movements engages the brain's natural ability to heal itself, resulting in reduced emotional distress. EMDR is also known to result in symptom relief in much fewer sessions than traditional trauma therapy.

3. What does EMDR treat?

Although EMDR is most often associated with trauma and PTSD, it is also effective at treating anxiety, depression, traumatic birth experiences, panic disorder and more.

4. Can I do EMDR sessions through telehealth?

Yes, you can do EMDR sessions in-person or through telehealth. The results are the same either way.

5. Does EMDR erase my trauma memories?

No, EMDR does not erase memories. Instead, EMDR allows your brain to reprocess these memories so that they no longer hold the same negative emotional charge. Meaning, you won't experience the uncomfortable physiological responses (rapid breathing, increased heart rate, hypervigilance, nightmares, etc.) when you think of the memory. 

Frequently Asked Questions