Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR Therapy — In Person or Online

If you are struggling with symptoms of trauma, PTSD, mood disorders, or other life challenges, EMDR may be a good fit for you. Because your healing space needs to be comfortable too, at Ainslie Wellness, EMDR Therapy is offered both in-person and virtually. 

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. This evidence-based approach helps you reprocess painful memories that are causing the past to flood into your present day-to-day functioning. As a result, the past disturbance will no longer hold the same emotional bite for you. 

Breaking Down EMDR:

• Eye Movements (E): This is the part of EMDR that is referred to as “bilateral stimulation.” You’ll be asked to hold a memory, thought, feeling, or sensation, while simultaneously inviting you to follow visual, auditory, or physical stimulation. 
• Desensitization (D): Next, the desensitization refers to when you notice your emotional responses to the issue becomes less intense. 

• Reprocessing (R): Finally, your brain starts forming healthier associations. Because you begin to think differently about the experience, you begin to respond to the issues differently.

Does EMDR Therapy Actually Work?

Absolutely.

EMDR is one of the most extensively researched therapies for trauma and emotional distress. In fact, global health authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA) endorse EMDR. 

What Can EMDR Help You With?

EMDR Therapy can support healing from many challenges. To name a few:

• PTSD

• Breakups, divorce, or job loss

• Panic attacks 

• Mood disorders (e.g., anxiety and depression)

• Grief and loss

• Car accidents

• Attachment trauma

• Dissociation 

• Phobias and fear-based avoidance

• Nightmares or sleep disturbances

• OCD and repetitive thought patterns

• Chronic pain or body tension

• Performance or test anxiety

• Abuse (emotional, physical, or sexual)

• Disordered eating and food anxiety

• Body image struggles

• Ongoing stress or burnout

Online EMDR Therapy: Get Support Wherever You Are

To fit your comfort level and lifestyle needs, you can receive EMDR therapy virtually. 

I will tailor the approach to your preferences. For example, you might follow a moving object on your screen or I will teach you to use gentle tapping techniques.

What Happens in a Session?

Once you’ve moved into the reprocessing phase of EMDR, I will guide you through recalling the disturbing issue. While you focus on that experience, I will employ eye movements, sounds, or tapping.

You get to decide how much you want or need to say during the process. I will ask you questions to determine how the disturbance is transitioning and we’ll continue at the pace that is most comfortable for you. 

Ultimately, you’ll be able to reduce the emotional intensity of the memory. Therefore, you’ll be able to recall it without the same level of disturbance.

I invite you to watch this short animation to see a bit more of how EMDR Therapy works: