EMDR

Clinical

Practice

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of therapy that makes use of both emotions and information to process pulsations, audio tones, and hand movements.

This stimulation of the left and right cortex during the treatment inspires us to self-regulate, to gain some control over our thoughts and memories, and to begin the healing process from trauma, sadness, or stress.

For more detailed information about this technique, please see: http://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/

I use EMDR therapies in both adults and children, but my process for working with these two types of clients varies.
Adults will hold tactile pulsers in each hand, which emit vibrations, or they will follow my hands to create stimulated eye movement. After our session, which may last up to two hours, adult clients will record a log of their thoughts and emotions, which allows them to process traumatic events. All of my clients are encouraged to call my office with any concerns, as this raw processing can be overwhelming.

Children will typically have a parent with them when they undergo EMDR therapy. The parent will sit next to the child, or hold them in their lap, as they hold “buzzies” in their hands, shoes, or socks. This process only lasts 20 minutes, and the rest of my session with the child is focused on play therapy or family therapy.