I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to treat distress associated with traumatic memories. This psychotherapeutic technique helps to reduce the impact of past experiences that trouble you in present-day life. Often these experiences involve trauma, such as an accident, natural disaster, past abuse, or assault. Whether the trauma occurred long ago or recently, clients may still feel its negative impact in their daily lives through nightmares, anxiety, low self-esteem, and troubling memories.

Initially, I take a detailed history to identify traumatic experiences that need processing and explain the EMDR process. The client is then taught self-soothing techniques, typically safe place visualization, to manage any emotional distress that may arise during sessions. This preparation phase ensures that individuals feel safe and supported throughout the treatment.

During the EMDR sessions, I ask the client to focus on a particular traumatic memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation through guided eye movements, taps, or auditory tones. This bilateral stimulation facilitates the processing of the traumatic memory, allowing the brain to reprocess it in a way that reduces its emotional impact. The aim is to help the client integrate the traumatic memory into their life in a less distressing way.

After the reprocessing phase, I assist the client in developing a positive belief about themselves in relation to the processed memory. This often involves reinforcing feelings of empowerment and resilience. Over time, clients usually feel calmer and more at peace with their past traumatic memories, experiencing increased empowerment and resilience. EMDR is also used to help people deal with anxiety, panic, grief, and other conditions where strong emotions are involved.