EMDR Therapy

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.

This is a type of psychotherapy that was developed in the 1990s and has gained a substantial following because it has been proven to be effective. It is considered an “evidence-based” approach.

When I use EMDR, I use it within a three phase approach trauma processing approach.

First we work on history gathering and stabilization and resource installation. 

Secondly we work on trauma processing using EMDR.

Finally we work on phase three, consolidation, integration and reconnection.

For single trauma events, there is not a lot of work that needs to be done in phase one and three. It generally is straightforward involving installing a “secure place” and a “container.” Then we come up with a list of targets. We work on each target using the rest of the eight stages of the = EMDR protocol. 

But with clients who come in with more extensive trauma histories (we might call that complex trauma C-PTSD, or developmental trauma) the process takes more time.

My job as a therapist is to ensure the safety of my client. We move carefully through the stages ensuring always that the client is safe.

I also work with clients who have experienced pre-verbal trauma using attachment focused EMDR and somatic tools.