Trauma and EMDR

My specialty in trauma has given me a keen understanding of neurobiology and the mind/body connection. I treat various forms of trauma, including sexual and physical violence, relational trauma, complex trauma, and trauma associated with infertility, pregnancy loss, and childbirth. I use both talk therapy and EMDR when working with trauma.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy was initially developed by Francine Shapiro in 1989 as a simple desensitization technique to treat posttraumatic stress disorder and has since evolved into a comprehensive psychotherapy that treats a broad range of problems with diverse populations. EMDR therapy is extensively researched, effective, and proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms. Ongoing research supports positive clinical outcomes showing EMDR therapy as a helpful treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences (Maxfield, 2019). EMDR is a structured therapy, and encourages the patient to focus briefly on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories (EMDRIA, 2023).

Put another way, our brain has a tremendous capacity to heal from adverse life events, much like our bodies have a natural healing process for things like cuts, bruises, and broken bones. Sometimes the body can do the healing all on its own, and other times we assist the healing process with bandages, antibiotic ointment, or a cast. During a traumatic or upsetting experience, the brain’s natural healing process is sometimes unable to process the information, so it becomes “stuck.”  Residual thoughts, feelings, and sensations continue to negatively impact us long after the initial event is over, letting us know the trauma has not been fully processed. EMDR works to reprocess the material, freeing us from the physical symptoms, difficult emotions, and toxic beliefs we have about ourselves. EMDR helps to restore healthy functioning, builds and restores resilience, and promotes personal growth.