EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is an evidence-based treatment that utilizes a structured protocol in conjunction with bilateral stimulation to help reprocess traumatic and distressing memories and life events.  There has been extensive research on the use of EMDR that supports the healing from trauma/PTSD, anxiety, depression, OCD, addictions, and eating disorders. 

Soulshine Therapy has utilized EMDR to support those healing from some of the following distressing life events:

·         Complex & Attachment Trauma – childhood and/or adult history of abuse and neglect

·         Single Event Traumas – car accidents, medical trauma, natural disasters

·         Military and First Responder related trauma

·         Anxiety and Depression

·         Sports/Performance anxiety and Injury recovery

·         Phobias

·         Sexual Assault

·         Panic Attacks

·         Addiction

·         Pain related issues

What does a typical EMDR session look like?

Your EMDR therapist will first explore your desire to seek EMDR therapy and ensure that this intervention can be effective for you.  You will then engage in exercises and learn tools that will allow you to regulate from distressing responses.  Then you will explore the distressing events you wish to focus on and reprocess.  Once a target is selected the EMDR therapist will ask you several questions related to the event including your thoughts, emotions, and body sensations.  Your EMDR therapist will then ask you to focus on that while initiating bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements, taps, or music).  Your therapist will then stop the processing periodically to ask you what you have noticed.  This will continue until the event is fully processed and more adaptive information is present. 

Common responses to EMDR Therapy

There is extensive research into the effectiveness of EMDR therapy.  These are some common responses individuals have after engaging in EMDR.

·         The memory is no longer as distressing or intense.

·         I now think differently / more positively about myself and /or the world.

·         I can now enjoy things I couldn’t because of the trauma.

·         My relationships have improved.

·         I can now perform again the way I did before.

·         I have more confidence.

·         I understand my mind-body connection better and how trauma has impacted me.

For more information about EMDR visit