EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach designed to help you process and heal from traumatic experiences. By using guided eye movements and other forms of bilateral stimulation, EMDR helps reduce the emotional impact of traumatic memories, promoting recovery and well-being.

EMDR Therapy involves eight phases, starting with a thorough history-taking and preparation. Once you’re ready to begin reprocessing, you’ll then focus on specific traumatic memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements. This process helps reprocess the memories, and reduce their emotional intensity.

A typical EMDR Therapy session involves weekly or bi-weekly 50-minute sessions where we will work together to reprocess and desensitize your specific issue. Alternatively, a mini EMDR intensive offers more reprocessing time (1.5-hours to 3-hours) in fewer sessions.

Depending on your goals, we can work together with me as your primary therapist, or I can serve as an adjunct therapist to your regular therapy, focusing specifically on trauma, while also coordinating care with your primary therapist.

Types of EMDR Sessions

Standard EMDR (50-minute sessions)

  • 50-minute sessions, scheduled weekly or bi-weekly.

    • Includes an initial 50-minute pre-intensive intake.

    • A 50-minute preparation session.

    • Several 50-minute reprocessing and desensitization sessions.

    • 50-minute closure session.

  • Eligible for insurance reimbursement, similar to regular therapy.

Mini Intensives (1.5 - 3-hour sessions)

  • 1.5 to 3-hour sessions, scheduled weekly or bi-weekly.

    • Includes an initial 90-minute pre-intensive intake and preparation session.

    • Separate 1.5-3-hour reprocessing and desensitization session(s). Some individuals may require additional sessions for reprocessing and desensitization.

    • 90-minute post-intensive closure session.

  • Allows for more reprocessing time in fewer sessions.

  • Most insurance companies will not reimburse for any, or part of the mini-intensive sessions.

Areas of Focus

  • PTSD

  • Recent traumatic events

  • Survivors of assault, abuse, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, political violence, and exposure to war.

  • Ongoing/chronic traumatic experiences

  • Adverse childhood experiences

  • HIV/AIDS related trauma

  • LGBTQ+ related trauma

  • Race related trauma

  • Cancer related PTSD

  • Grief and loss

  • Vehicle relate accidents