EMDR

What is Emdr?

EMDR is an extensively researched psychotherapy treatment that is proven to help reduce symptoms of trauma and PTSD. The goal of EMDR therapy is to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain. The process involves briefly focussing on a traumatic or upsetting memory, while also experiencing bilateral stimulation. Bilateral stimulation can include eye movements, “butterfly hugs” or using a tapping device (among others).

Research shows that a compilation of ongoing negative life events can have just as big of an impact as a single event trauma. I often use EMDR to address negative core beliefs that my clients hold about themselves, such as “I am not enough,” “I am unlovable,” or “I am powerless”. EMDR allows us to target early life experiences that resulted in forming these core beliefs, and helps to shift these beliefs so they no longer impact current daily functioning and relationships.

who does emdr benefit?

EMDR benefits people of all ages! I use EMDR with children as young as 5 years old, teens and adults. EMDR can benefit a wide range of mental health concerns, but I personally specialize in using EMDR for the following concerns:

• Anxiety and Panic Attacks

• Depression and Bipolar Disorders

• Perinatal/Postpartum Mood Disorders

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 

• Complex and Childhood Trauma 

I use EMDR with my clients in-person in my Fort Collins office as well as during virtual telehealth sessions in Colorado and Texas.

How is EMDR therapy different from what I already tried?

Have you ever learned a skill in therapy but can’t put it into practice in the moment? Or you reframed a thought and know “logically” that your anxious thought isn’t true or helpful but it still shows up during times of distress? EMDR is different from many other therapies because it addresses our early memories and experiences that made us who we are today and brings about a shift that reduces present day distress.

During EMDR therapy, you don’t need to talk in detail about the distressing issue. I also won’t ask you to complete homework between sessions. We will actually spend time containing the issue at the end of each session so it is less likely to “intrude” into your life between sessions. Rather than focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue, EMDR allows the brain to resume its natural healing process.

Often EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than other therapies. The relief my clients experience after just a few EMDR sessions brings me so much joy and hope as a therapist.

How will EMDR therapy affect my brain?

Our brains are amazing and have a natural way of recovering from trauma. This process involves three important parts of the brain:

• Amygdala: the part of the brain responsible for fight, flight or freeze

• Hippocampus: the part that of the brain that assists with learning, including memories about safety and danger

• Prefrontal cortex: which analyzes and controls behavior and emotion

Experiencing a traumatic event does not guarantee that you will have PTSD, and often these events are resolved spontaneously. However, when distress from a disturbing event remains, the upsetting images, thoughts, and emotions may create an overwhelming or frightening feeling of being back in that moment. During EMDR therapy, the brain reprocesses these memories and normal healing is able to resume. You will still remember the experience, but the fight, flight, or freeze response from the event is resolved.