EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) has been proven to be the best treatment for trauma and is the most researched therapeutic modality of all time. Trauma is defined as a psychological and emotional response to a deeply distressing or overwhelming event that significantly disrupts a person's sense of safety, well-being, and daily functioning. Trauma is subjective to each person and most people have some form of trauma, whether big or small. 

EMDR, founded by Francine Shapiro in 1987, helps people heal from trauma, disturbing life events, or chronic stress. It is a structured therapeutic technique using bilateral stimulation through eye movements, sound, or tapping to process stressful memories or events. This technique has been researched with PTSD, but is applicable to various situations.

Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference. It is widely assumed that severe emotional pain requires a long time to heal. EMDR therapy shows that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma.

When you cut your hand, your body works to close the wound. If a foreign object or repeated injury irritates the wound, it festers and causes pain. Once the block is removed, healing resumes. EMDR therapy demonstrates that a similar sequence of events occurs with mental processes. The brain’s information processing system naturally moves toward mental health. If the system is blocked or imbalanced by the impact of a disturbing event, the emotional wound festers and can cause intense suffering. Once the block is removed, healing resumes. Using the detailed protocols and procedures learned in EMDR therapy training sessions, clinicians help clients activate their natural healing processes.

• Trauma and PTSD

• Depression 

• Childhood attachment disturbances (anxious, avoidant, disorganized attachment styles)

• Anxiety

• Negative beliefs about self

• Career concerns

• School concerns

• Performance concerns

• Sleep disturbance

• Stress 

• Overactive sympathetic nervous system

• Difficulty in relationships

• Performance anxiety

• Obsessive compulsive disorder/tendencies

• Suicidal thoughts/attempts

• Self -arm

• Substance abuse

• Eating disorders or disordered eating

• Identity crisis

• Panic or anxiety attacks

• Somatic symptoms with no medical answer (stomach problems, IBS, back pain, etc.)

• Healing from childhood/past trauma

• Healthier relationships and attachment with others

• Ease in career or academics

• Better coping skills

• Ability to self sooth and regulate emotions

• Ability to identify emotions

• Self-compassion

• Forgiveness of others or one’s self

• Positive beliefs about one’s self

• Increased self-confidence

• Ability to make better or good decisions

• Decreased substance use

• Decreased depression

• Decreased anxiety

• Feeling happier and more balanced