Eye-movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

“The goal of EMDR Treatment is to rapidly metabolize the dysfunctional residue from the past and transform it into something useful.”

Francine Shapiro
Founder of EMDR Therapy

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an evidence-based treatment for trauma-related symptoms as well as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, and addiction. The Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense endorse EMDR as a “best practice” in treating veterans experiencing trauma-related symptoms. This method uses “bilateral stimulation,” a therapeutic technique that uses alternating left-and-right sensory input, such as eye movements, sounds, or physical taps, to engage both hemispheres of the brain.

EMDR focuses on changing the emotions, thoughts or behaviors that result from a distressing experience (trauma). This allows your brain to resume a natural healing process. EMDR is based on a theory that your brain stores normal and traumatic memories differently. Often, your brain stores traumatic memories in a way that doesn’t allow for healthy healing. Trauma is like a wound that hasn’t healed. Because this wound hasn’t healed, your brain didn’t receive the message that the danger is over so you remain in a state of vigilance or fear. EMDR helps your brain “digest” the memory so that it loses its emotional charge and becomes an ordinary, less-distressing memory of the past.

If you feel EMDR might be the right treatment for you or if you would like to explore treatment options please schedule an appointment or call (415) 290-3186 for a consultation.