EMDR is short for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy. I know it’s a mouthful! It’s a therapeutic approach that was created to promote healing after trauma and distressing life experiences.

EMDR therapy is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which is the idea that many of the negative symptoms we experience (i.e. anxiety, depression, excessive worry, exaggerated startle response, feelings of shame and guilt, nightmares, etc.) are the result of incomplete processing, or maladaptive encoding, of traumatic information in the brain.

I like to use the analogy of our brain being like a computer, and unprocessed traumatic information being like a virus in the system. EMDR treatment is a way to “debug” the system and re-wire the brain for optimal functioning.

EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation (movement back and forth) with eye movements, tapping, sounds, etc. to reprocess traumatic information that is stuck. Bilateral stimulation (right, left, right, left…) is thought to be similar to what our brain does naturally during REM sleep.

EMDR therapy is an 8-phased approach that reprocesses past memories, current triggers, and future potential challenges, along with the negative beliefs attached, to alleviate symptoms and restore the most adaptive functioning in the brain.

EMDR therapy essentially jump-starts healthy processing after trauma occurs. This enables us to move forward with confidence, without being constantly triggered and re-traumatized by “old stuff.”

In addition to being an evidence-based treatment for PTSD, EMDR therapy can be helpful in treating:

-Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias

-Chronic Illness and medical issues

-Depression and bipolar disorders

-Dissociative disorders

-Eating disorders

-Grief and loss

-Pain

-Performance anxiety

-Personality disorders

-Trauma and stress-related issues, including Complex PTSD

-Sexual assault

-Sleep disturbance

-Substance abuse and addiction

-Violence and abuse

This information has been quoted from the EMDR International Association: https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/

Yes! I have lots of tools, strategies, and techniques for effectively engaging in online EMDR therapy. Many of my clients report that after a few minutes, they often forget that we are not in the same room together.

Trauma reprocessing can be life-changing. It can also be exhausting! Many of my clients report that they appreciate being in the comfort of their own homes while working through tough material. In addition, online therapy enables clients to seamlessly move into a relaxing self-care activity right after their session, without the need to drive home first.

My fee for a 50-minute therapy session is $160. You’re entitled to a *Good Faith Estimate that will be provided after your initial consultation if you decide to schedule therapy with me.

*Good Faith Estimate

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises