EMDR Therapy

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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing:  is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy approach designed to help people process and heal from traumatic experiences, distressing memories, and the negative beliefs that can develop as a result of those experiences. In a simplied explanation, this modality is done by accessing the distressing memory, thought, or belief while using bilateral stimuation (left to right eye movements, tapping, or audio sounds). Trauma can become stored in the brain, body, and nervous system, contributing to emotional distress, unhelpful beliefs about oneself, and, for some individuals, physical symptoms or chronic tension. The purpose of EMDR is to free the distress that is stored in the body resulting in a reduction of knee-jerk responses or triggers.

While EMDR is best known for treating trauma and PTSD, research also supports its effectiveness for a variety of other concerns, including anxiety, phobias, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), addictions, and some eating disorders.

 Although I do not provide Ketamine therapy directly, if you are receiving ketamine therapy from a licensed medical provider, emerging research suggests there may be benefits to integrating ketamine therapy with EMDR. This integration may also complement anxiety therapy, relationship counseling, and trauma counseling by addressing underlying emotional issues. While additional research is needed, EMDR sessions are generally recommended within 24-72 hours of a ketamine treatment to help process memories, emotions, and thoughts that may arise during the ketamine experience.

EMDR Intensives are extended sessions focused exclusively on EMDR therapy, ranging from 2 to 4 hours per session. Doing an EMDR intensive session can be more effictive as there is more focused time spent resolving the target memory or belief in one session instead of working on the target in smaller sessions spread over the course of weeks or months.