Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based, mind-body treatment for trauma. EMDR can release the emotional charge from traumatic life experiences. Traumatic life experiences include general life experiences both small and large that lead to depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or repeating old patterns that do not serve us.

When we experience distressing events, our mind and body get locked and our neural networks freeze. EMDR treatment accesses memories stored in the reptilian or "lizard" brain where trauma is stuck, and moves these memories into the neocortex, the verbal and logical part of the brain. By bringing online parts of the brain that were frozen during the distressing experience, new information can come through and we can create a more cohesive story. We then have access to our full range of intrinsic skills to move beyond these stuck stories.

During the reprocessing of memories, a client will recall for a short time the distressing event while moving their eyes from side to side, holding buzzers that vibrate from right to left, alternating tones via headphones, or tapping right to left. These Dual Attention Stimuli (DAS) assist in the accelerated processing of memories.

After EMDR clients describe traumatic memories as seeming "far away" or "distant" rather than highly charged and upsetting. They also report feeling more present in their body and mind, more compassionate towards themselves, and more confident in their ability to resolve issues on their own.

The type of EMDR treatment that we practice also emphasizes Mindfulness Meditation, which involves teaching and practicing mindfulness meditation, relaxation exercises, guided imagery and breath-work so that you can build an accessible toolbox of coping skills to use daily as well as during specific triggering situations.