EMDR Therapy in Philadelphia, PA

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy was developed in the 1980s by Dr. Francine Shapiro. It is an evidence-based model of therapy that has been heavily researched and proven to treat trauma effectively and efficiently. It has also been proven to be effective with other mental health concerns.

Trauma and EMDR Therapy

Trauma can be thought of as our brain, body, and nervous system’s response to difficult or life-altering experiences that have challenged our sense of physical or emotional safety. The brain can have a hard time processing an experience like this, which can result in related or seemingly unrelated cues activating unexpected and intense emotional reactions moving forward. 

As discussed on the trauma services page, trauma reactions can feel difficult to manage, and can make it hard to feel fully relaxed in the present. Some examples may include: 

  • Anxious feelings, feeling on edge, or feeling fearful

  • Withdrawal or disconnection

  • Distrusting of others

  • Decrease in concentration, focus, or ability to accomplish tasks

  • Intense reactions to daily interactions or experiences

  • Anger/irritability

  • Sleep disturbances and/or nightmares

  • Low self-confidence and/or self-critical thoughts

  • Shame and/or guilt

  • Avoidance of certain places, situations, or people that may activate reminders of past experiences

  • Intense and distressing unexpected memories or images related to experience

  • Feeling out of control

If you’re connecting with any of this, there is some good news: the brain is naturally inclined towards healing, and EMDR Therapy can be a method to bring yourself towards that healing.

People who participate in EMDR Therapy commonly report lower levels of distress or intensity of emotion connected to the past experiences or memories, and increased connection to positive feelings and/or beliefs about themselves or others.

What can you expect from EMDR Therapy?

During EMDR Therapy, your brain and body will have the opportunity to process the memories and/or distressing events that are unresolved using an 8-phase protocol. The initial two phases will focus on gathering history about you, identifying your goals, and identifying and strengthening tools to help manage any intense and/or difficult thoughts, feelings, and reactions. Some examples of these tools include mindfulness-based activities, guided imagery, or grounding techniques.

Once you feel confident in the use of these resources and we’ve identified your desired outcomes, you’ll begin the later phases of EMDR Therapy, which can be commonly referred to as “reprocessing.”

By engaging in this process clients tend to notice a reduction in distress, a decrease in emotional and bodily reactivity, and an increase in more positive or adaptive beliefs overall. The whole process of EMDR Therapy will occur at your pace, and you’re always in control of the process.

Possible Changes from Engaging in EMDR Therapy

Clients often report that they have started to notice that the distressing experience that had the tendency to impact their thoughts, feelings, and reactions, is no longer as powerful or distressing. They commonly share that they feel more connected to positive belief systems and may start to feel more comfortable in the present. Additionally, they tend to notice that they feel less reactive in their lives, more confident and connected, and overall have a greater sense of self-agency and control.

You can visit the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) website for more in-depth information about EMDR Therapy and the 8 phases briefly described above.

Ready to Get Started?

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

Remote EMDR Therapy in Philadelphia and Across Pennsylvania

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