Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of intensive, somatic psychotherapy used to treat trauma.  EMDR is utilized in conjunction with other adjunct therapies to treat traumatic experiences in a holistic way.  

Our understanding of trauma over the last several years has depended and broadened to encompass an understanding of trauma along a spectrum or continuum.  The spectrum of trauma can start with a mildly disturbing experience and escalate to chronic and repeated trauma that results in a person being traumatized. 

The important concept to note about trauma is that it is not the event that determines whether or not something is considered trauma.  It is the response of a system....your system....that determines if an event is trauma.

EMDR is an eight stage treatment protocol and follows these predictable stages:

1) History and treatment planning

2) Preparation

3) Assessment

4) Desensitization

5) Installation

6) Body scan

7) Closure

8) Re-evaluation