​​If you are interested in exploring EMDR therapy, or if you have been referred specifically for this therapy by another clinician, please initial below where indicated that you have read, understand and agree to engage in EMDR Therapy.

What is EMDR Therapy?                                                                                                                                         

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of therapy that utilizes bilateral stimulation (BLS) in the form of eye movements, tapping or auditory tones in order to accelerate the brain’s capacity to process and heal a troubling memory, thought, feeling, or phobia.

To understand how EMDR works, picture the brain as a computer. The brain stem or reptilian brain is the battery which powers our basic functions of life, our autonomic nervous system. This feeds directly into our motherboard (Mobo) or mammalian brain, on which sit the central processing unit (CPU) and random-access memory (RAM) storage areas. Surrounding and connected to and through this core structure are the inputs for our graphics, media, audio, and haptic processors. Finally, the primate brain where language and thinking happen sits atop and in front of all the other structures, with direct wiring to and through the CPU and RAM, and connecting to all the interfaces which are our physical, intellectual, and emotional experiences.

Being the most advanced computer ever conceived, we were designed with a backup, a redundancy, the two hemispheres of the brain. If one hemisphere of the brain gets corrupted, thanks to neural elasticity, the other hemisphere can take over and recreate the functions originally assigned to the opposite side. This is how people who have had catastrophic brain injuries or strokes affecting speech or movement can re-learn these tasks, despite half the system being corrupted.

Finally, think of psychology as the Operating System (OS) on which the brain functions. Now imagine a faulty line of code that prevents proper access to the RAM, or corrupts the pathway to a core file. This can shut down the CPU or even damage the Mobo. While therapy is the debugger that finds those faulty lines of code, EMDR then repairs and rewrites them by alternating access through each hemisphere of the brain.

This is the literal explanation of the principal of bilateral stimulation (BLS). Every night when we sleep, our brains use BLS which we experience as the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) that accompanies dreams. In other words, our brain runs an automatic defrag nightly and EMDR is intentionally running a defrag while we are awake.

What EMDR is NOT                                                                                                                                             

 EMDR is not a form of hypnosis or hypnotherapy. At no point are thoughts, feelings, memories, sensations, or events suggested to you. EMDR therapy uses your own words, your own natural, inherent neurological functions, to process and integrate memories and events. At all times, you are in control of the session, and can elect to end the session or overall protocol at any time. There is no evidence of negative repercussions associated with discontinuing EMDR therapy. If you decide EMDR is not for you, Cognitive Behavioral, Cognitive Processing, Schema, or other appropriate protocols will resume.

What is the evidence for EMDR Therapy, and who does it work for?                                                      

EMDR is a research-based therapy with over 40 years of scientific validation. There are more controlled studies validating EMDR for the treatment of PTSD (post- traumatic stress disorder) than any other treatment method.

For more than 20 years, the practice guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association (2004), American Psychological Association, and the Department of Veterans Affairs and Defense (2004) have placed EMDR in the highest category of effectiveness. You can read more specific research citations and information at: www.emdr.com, and www.emdria.org.

EMDR is currently a top-rated treatment for both single incident and complex trauma, making it the preferred modality for veterans, First Responders, as well as those with high ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences Scores). Brain research has shown that trauma significantly alters not only brain chemistry but also brain structure. PET (positron emission tomography) brain scans have shown that EMDR facilitates neurobiological repair. This means the gains and changes achieved through EMDR are now part of the actual structure of the brain, alleviating current symptoms of past events as well as enhancing resilience for the future.

EMDR is not just for trauma. It is clinically researched and proven to be highly effective in addressing Anxiety and Mood Disorders, Prolonged or Complicated Grief, Panic Attacks, Phobias, Chronic Pain, Life-Stage Transitions and Challenges, OCD, Life Coaching, as well as part an overall treatment protocol for Trauma-informed Addictions and Dual-Diagnosis Addictions.

EMDR is not, however, for everyone and every mental health challenge. Those with Dissociative Identity Disorder, Bipolar I and II, Schizophrenia, Schizotypal, Schizoid, and Borderline Personality Disorders are either contraindicated or not suitable. Studies of Major Depressive Disorder and Cyclothymia show promising results when EMDR is combined with Schema Therapy. In addition, some medical conditions as well as pregnancy can prevent or require postponing of EMDR therapy.

What actually happens in EMDR therapy?                                                                                                            

1. The memory or event is recalled with specific, curated guidance to minimize the risk of being  re-traumatized. The painful emotions and physical sensations, disturbing images and thoughts are thus managed during the therapeutic session. After EMDR, the memories will remain but will no longer carry the painful parts.

2. EMDR helps the brain reintegrate the memory or event by engaging our innate ability to reprocess and properly store thoughts and events in a healthy way. Always, it is your own brain’s natural ability to manage itself that is the true mechanism of action. EMDR is the conscious accessing of this unconscious process of healing.

The possible risks of EMDR treatment include the following:          

1. Reprocessing a memory or event may bring up associated memories. This is normal, even intended, allowing those memories to also be reprocessed.

2. During EMDR, you may experience physical sensations and retrieve images, emotions, and sounds associated with the memory or event which you normally avoid. With the therapeutic guidance of the EMDR clinician, the impact and intensity of accessing these difficult experiences are lessened during the session. This is the point of EMDR, to be able to recall or access images, memories, thoughts or feelings without the disturbing, upsetting or negative reactions that you have been experiencing.

3. Reprocessing of the memory or event normally continues after the end of the formal therapy session. Other memories, flashbacks, feelings, and sensations may occur. You may have dreams associated with the memory. The brain is now trained and able to process these additional memories without help, however, specific coping skills and techniques are learned to help those, further, or new disturbing or upsetting thoughts, feelings, experiences, or sensations. Arrangements for assistance will be made in a timely manner if you feel yourself unable to cope.

Why choose EMDR?                                                                                                                                            

EMDR is the most validated and effective treatment protocol for trauma and PTSD, supported by more than 40 years of scientific and clinical study. As such, it is the Gold Standard of treatment in the VA for PTSD, trauma, and complex trauma, the single largest provider of mental health treatment in the Nation. EMDR has been proven to be effective both clinically and scientifically in the treatment of Anxiety and Mood Disorders, Prolonged or Complicated Grief, Panic Attacks, Phobias, Chronic Pain, Life-Stage Transitions and Challenges, OCD and Life Coaching, as well as part an overall treatment protocol addressing Trauma-Focused Addictions and Dual-Diagnosis Addictions.

EMDR works differently than most mental health treatment modalities in that it is designed to be delivered in a 12-session protocol, to realize change more quickly. At The Kennedy Center for Counseling, EMDR is being offered in once or twice weekly 90-minute sessions or in 3-hour sessions called Intensives. Gains that may otherwise take many months or even years to realize are achieved in significantly less time, providing relief and fostering resiliency sooner for clients.

The rapid relief from troubling or distressing memories or life circumstances makes EMDR the treatment of choice for those who are ready to take back control of their memories, emotions and life.