We, as therapists, learned Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) because we were personally drawn to it. This wasn’t something that was taught to us in our doctoral education but something we sought additionally as we wanted a way to help our patients pull out of the well that they were stuck in as a result of trauma. We felt that our patients’ trauma had been given so many names: OCD, panic attacks, anxiety, low self-esteem, and yet, it never quite hit the nail on the head. While all of these diagnoses can be simultaneously true, viewing these intense and sometimes unexplainable reactions through the lens of trauma made much more sense and in a way that really resonated with us and our patients.
We each hold doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology from esteemed universities and are licensed as Psychologists. Through our education, we learned therapeutic techniques such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), psychoanalysis, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing (MI) and a variety of different techniques. Outside of our traditional schooling, we have also learned advanced hypnosis techniques, which we incorporate into our treatment to varying degrees. Many individuals turn to us for EMDR because they feel stuck, trapped by traumatic memories or overwhelming emotions that traditional therapies might not fully address. EMDR stands out by specifically targeting and untangling these persistent knots of traumatic experiences in the mind, providing a unique avenue for profound emotional relief. However, its power is further amplified when combined with other therapeutic methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques. Together, this combination doesn't just address the root causes of trauma but also layers in practical life skills and strategies to manage everyday emotional challenges.
Many individuals turn to us for EMDR because they feel stuck, trapped by traumatic memories or overwhelming emotions that traditional therapies might not fully address. EMDR stands out by specifically targeting and untangling these persistent knots of traumatic experiences in the mind, providing a unique avenue for profound emotional relief. However, its power is further amplified when combined with other therapeutic methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques. Together, this combination doesn't just address the root causes of trauma but also layers in practical life skills and strategies to manage everyday emotional challenges.
In our work, EMDR is just one important part of the bigger picture. Our sessions pull together different therapy techniques like Hypnotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (often just called CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (or DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and mindfulness exercises. This combined strategy can be especially helpful for people dealing with challenges like anxiety, depression, self-esteem struggles, eating disorders, and other problems stemming from trauma. It provides more than just an exit from their emotional difficulties; it also gives them tools to handle upcoming challenges. This well-rounded approach aims to facilitate not only immediate relief but also to arm individuals with the skills and understanding to manage future obstacles and promote long-term emotional well-being. In essence, by blending EMDR with complementary therapies, individuals gain a comprehensive toolkit to both delve deep into the root causes of their distress and build resilience for future challenges, fostering a holistic healing journey.
We utilize the latest technology in both our in-person appointments and virtual sessions to amplify the effectiveness of EMDR, providing an enriched and accessible therapeutic experience for our clients.
Since bilateral stimulation (BLS) is a cornerstone of EMDR, we seamlessly integrate advanced technology virtual sessions, facilitating a potent therapeutic environment that adheres to the principles of traditional EMDR therapy. Through visual, auditory, and sensory stimuli, delivered in a well-coordinated and regulated fashion, these technologies ensure that clients, even in a remote setting, are engaged in a multi-sensory therapeutic experience, which is crucial for the reprocessing of traumatic memories. Harnessing the capability of these technologies not only ensures the continuity and efficacy of EMDR therapy but also extends its reach, enabling clients to embark on or continue their therapeutic journey, navigating through the reprocessing of traumatic memories, regardless of geographical or physical constraints.
For in-person sessions, we use the NeuroTek EyeScan Lightbar paired with an LED tactile pulsar. The EyeScan Lightbar enhances the therapeutic process of EMDR by providing synchronized visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli, while also allowing the therapist to stay more present and active during the sessions.
For virtual sessions, we integrate remotEMDR into our secure telehealth platform, which provides both visual and auditory stimulation. Within this technology, the visual stimulus involves guiding the eyes in a horizontal movement across the screen, while auditory stimulus is delivered through binaural beats or alternating tones via headphones, and sensory stimulus is incorporated through guided, self-administered taps or vibrations.
Research into the effectiveness of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for various mental health issues has expanded its applicability beyond its initial focus on PTSD, showing promising results across a spectrum of psychological challenges. Numerous studies and systematic reviews have indicated the potential efficacy of EMDR in treating anxiety and depression by aiding the reprocessing of distressing, underlying memories and thoughts that contribute to these emotional states.
While the primary research basis of EMDR has traditionally been in the context of trauma and PTSD, studies exploring its application in these diverse psychological issues showcase its potential adaptability and utility in broader therapeutic contexts. EMDR’s structured approach towards distressing memories and experiences provides a flexible and integrative framework for addressing varied psychological challenges. For instance, exploratory research and clinical reports suggest a constructive role for EMDR in addressing eating disorders, wherein the therapy works not only to reprocess traumatic or stressful experiences contributing to the disorder but also to reshape maladaptive self-perceptions. EMDR has also been leveraged to target self-esteem by facilitating the modification of maladaptive memory networks that hold negative beliefs about oneself.
We know that everyone has different schedules and needs, so we make sure to match our professional advice with what works best for each person's time and comfort level in therapy. After understanding what problems a person wants to tackle, the client and therapist work together to decide the best way forward to make sure they make good progress. Like with other therapists, we build a continuing relationship where we usually meet weekly or every other week, though we can adjust this based on the client’s needs and availability. Regular meetings are key to building a connection and can be very beneficial for addressing various issues, providing an opportunity to assess progress and determine the subsequent steps in therapy.
We make every attempt to make booking and reimbursement for our sessions seamless. Through our secure online patient portal, you can not only book virtual or in-person sessions but also check your insurance benefits, submit reimbursement claims online, or even have our billing specialist submit your claims for you. Plus, you'll receive reminders for your appointments, ensuring you never miss a session.