EMDR Therapy in Cincinnati, OH

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is an evidence-based therapy model. It was developed in the 1980s by Dr. Francine Shapiro, and since then has been heavily researched and proven to effectively and efficiently treat trauma. Additionally, it has shown an effectiveness to treat a variety of other mental health challenges.  

EMDR for Trauma

Trauma can be thought of as our brain, body, and nervous system’s response to difficult or distressing experiences that have challenged our sense of physical or emotional safety. When we experience this, the brain can have a difficult time processing it, resulting in intense and unexpected reactions to related or seemingly unrelated cues moving forward.

There are a number of common trauma reactions that cause distress, making it difficult to feel fully at ease in the present (you can learn even more about trauma here).

Some examples include the following: 

  • Feeling anxious, on edge, or fearful, or a need to be intensely aware of surroundings

  • Feeling withdrawn or disconnected, and/or having trouble trusting other people

  • Trouble with concentrating, focusing, or completing tasks

  • Anger, irritability, or other unexpected and/or intense reactions to daily interactions or events

  • Sleep difficulty and/or nightmares

  • Self-criticism and/or low self-worth

  • Feelings of guilt or shame

  • Efforts or desire to avoid certain people, places, or situations, particularly ones that may activate reminders or memories from past experiences. 

  • Unexpectedly having memories or images of past distressing experience(s), causing intense emotions or reactions.

The good news is that the brain has a natural tendency towards healing, and EMDR Therapy can be a way to bring your body and mind to a place of healing and presence. EMDR Therapy has the potential to help you to notice a decrease in intensity or distress connected to the memories or events you’ve experienced.

What can you expect from EMDR Therapy?

EMDR Therapy uses an eight-phase approach to help your body and brain process unresolved traumatic memories and/or distressing events or experiences. The first two stages are focused on gathering information, setting goals, and practicing resources for managing and regulating any trauma responses.

After you feel comfortable and confident in using these resources, we can begin the next phases of EMDR Therapy, commonly called the “reprocessing” phases. These reprocessing sessions support the brain’s natural tendency towards healing, and clients begin to notice a decrease in distress overall, as more positive and adaptive beliefs are strengthened.

EMDR Therapy over time:

Over time, distress connected to the target memory or image is reduced, along with decreased negative emotional and bodily reactions, and the desired positive belief is strengthened. Throughout this process, you will always be in control of your pace, and I will respect any boundaries that you set for yourself.

Following EMDR Therapy, clients commonly report that they notice that the image that previously held a lot of power over their emotions, thoughts, and reactions, no longer feels as strong or distressing.

They start to feel more connected to positive and more accurate belief systems about themselves, rather than the negative belief systems that may have been rooted in the past.

They may notice that they are less reactive in their daily lives, feel like they’re more connected to themselves and other people, and more in control of their emotions.

Ready to Get Started?

I also welcome you to watch the video clips below for more information on EMDR Therapy.

EMDR for anxiety and trauma in Cincinnati, OH

Clarity Together offers EMDR Therapy in Cincinnati and across the state of Ohio via a secure telehealth platform.