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June 06 2025

What to Expect in Your First EMDR Session

Author Emma Gould Categories EMDR, Pyschology, Therapy, Uncategorized 0 Comments

Understanding EMDR
 EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured form of trauma therapy designed to help the brain reprocess distressing memories. By using bilateral stimulation such as guided eye movements or tapping, EMDR enables emotional blocks to shift, allowing traumatic experiences to be integrated into your broader memory network without the same psychological charge.

Why High-Functioning Professionals Consider EMDR
 You’re used to performing under pressure, solving complex problems, and leading with precision. But even high-functioning professionals can carry unresolved trauma that shows up as burnout, irritability, sleep disruption, or emotional detachment. If you’re skeptical about trauma therapy or curious whether EMDR is worth your time, you’re not alone. This article breaks down what actually happens in your first EMDR session, and why it might be one of the most productive hours of your healing journey.

What Happens During Your First EMDR Session

The first EMDR session is about preparation, not immediate reprocessing. Your therapist will begin with a structured intake, asking questions to understand your history, identify potential trauma targets, and assess your readiness. You’ll be introduced to grounding techniques to manage emotional intensity methods like breathwork, visualization, or tactile cues.

The therapist will also explain how bilateral stimulation works. Depending on your preference and clinical needs, this may involve eye movements, alternating tones, or gentle tapping. If you feel ready, some therapists may begin light reprocessing work. But the pace is always tailored to your nervous system’s tolerance, with constant check-ins to ensure stability.

The Neuroscience Behind EMDR Therapy
 Functional MRI studies reveal that EMDR therapy reduces hyperactivity in the brain’s fear center, the amygdala. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which emphasizes cognitive insight, EMDR targets deeper, nonverbal memory networks. This often leads to faster emotional shifts without requiring you to relive every detail of your trauma verbally.

Is EMDR Right for You?
 This approach is particularly well-suited for high-performing individuals dealing with anxiety, perfectionism, or chronic overwhelm linked to past trauma. However, EMDR isn’t recommended in cases of active psychosis, severe dissociation, or unmanaged substance use. Your therapist will assess these factors carefully.

How EMDR Differs from Traditional Trauma Therapy

While many therapies rely on insight and narrative work, EMDR helps the brain process trauma without lengthy discussion. You may work with emotions, physical sensations, or vague impressions rather than complete memories. For professionals who find verbal processing exhausting or slow, EMDR can offer a more efficient path toward relief.

Setting Expectations: What You Need to Know

  • Sessions are 60–90 minutes and begin with building trust, not diving into trauma.
  • You are always in control. Sessions pause as needed.
  • You might feel tired or emotional afterward. Schedule light activities or quiet time to integrate the work.

Common Myths About EMDR

Myth: EMDR erases memories.
Fact: Memories stay intact, but their emotional grip weakens.

Myth: One session can resolve deep trauma.
Fact: While shifts can be immediate, complex trauma typically requires multiple sessions.

Helpful Preparation for Your First Appointment
 Consider journaling light reflections, such as moments that trigger tension or recurring stress patterns. Avoid detailing traumatic events before your session unless your therapist recommends it. Post-session, gentle movement like walking can support emotional processing. Most importantly, choose a certified clinician through the EMDR International Association to ensure quality care.

FAQs

Q: Is EMDR appropriate soon after a traumatic event?
 A: Yes, but therapists may prioritize safety and stabilization before processing to prevent retraumatization.

Q: What if I can’t recall specific memories?
 A: EMDR can work with sensations, emotions, or images that don’t form a full narrative. Clarity often unfolds during the process.

Q: Why choose EMDR over traditional therapy?
 A: EMDR often appeals to those who prefer experiential, body-informed methods that bypass the need for repeated storytelling.Take the First Step
 EMDR isn’t just about healing it’s about reclaiming clarity, performance, and emotional resilience. If you’re ready to explore this path, search for a certified therapist at the EMDRIA directory or review our professional guide to trauma recovery.

May 05 2025

How Does EMDR Work in the Brain?

Author Emma Gould Categories Anxiety, EMDR, Pyschology, Uncategorized 0 Comments

A Guide to Trauma Recovery for High-Functioning Professionals

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of therapy that helps people heal from trauma by using bilateral stimulation—like guided eye movements—to help the brain reprocess and store disturbing memories in a healthier way.

Why So Many High-Functioning Professionals Are Turning to EMDR

You might look put-together on the outside—but inside, you’re mentally exhausted, emotionally worn down, and haunted by memories or patterns that won’t let go. You’ve achieved a lot, but something still feels off. Maybe you’ve tried talk therapy and found it insightful—but not transformative.

If that resonates, EMDR therapy may be the tool you didn’t know you needed.

This article explores how EMDR works in the brain, why it’s effective for high-functioning professionals with anxiety, burnout, or trauma-related symptoms, and what to expect from the process.

How Does EMDR Work in the Brain?

When the brain encounters overwhelming stress or trauma, it sometimes fails to “file” the memory properly. Instead, the memory stays raw—emotionally intense and physically reactive—making it easy to get triggered.

EMDR therapy and the brain connect through a process that mimics REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, where memories are naturally sorted and stored. During EMDR sessions, a therapist guides you through bilateral stimulation—typically side-to-side eye movements—while you briefly recall traumatic or disturbing moments.

This allows your brain to reprocess stuck memories, moving them from an emotionally reactive state to a more neutral, resolved one.

It’s not about forgetting—it’s about releasing. EMDR gives the brain the conditions it needs to heal trauma neurologically, not just emotionally.

Who Benefits Most From EMDR?

EMDR is particularly effective for:

  • Professionals coping with chronic stress, anxiety, or burnout
  • People with unresolved trauma from childhood or adulthood
  • Those experiencing panic attacks, phobias, or performance blocks
  • Clients who’ve tried talk therapy but feel stuck in recurring patterns

While EMDR is safe for most people, it’s not recommended during acute psychiatric crises or without a strong therapeutic foundation in dissociative conditions.

The Science Behind EMDR

Let’s look at the neuroscience behind how EMDR helps trauma:

  • Amygdala: The brain’s alarm bell. EMDR reduces its hypersensitivity.
  • Hippocampus: Manages memory and context. EMDR helps integrate traumatic memories into the past.
  • Prefrontal Cortex: Your reasoning center. It becomes more engaged after EMDR, allowing clearer thinking and less reactivity.

Research using brain scans shows that EMDR brain healing is real. After EMDR treatment, the brain shows less activity in fear-based areas and greater integration across memory and emotion centers.

What to Expect During EMDR Therapy

The EMDR process follows eight structured phases:

  1. History & Planning
  2. Preparation with grounding tools
  3. Targeting specific memories
  4. Bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, tones)
  5. Installing new beliefs
  6. Body scans for lingering discomfort
  7. Closure and grounding
  8. Re-evaluation and next steps

Some clients report major shifts after just a few sessions; others work through a series of memories over time. Either way, EMDR is designed to produce lasting change.

Best Practices Before Starting EMDR

  • Work with a certified EMDR therapist—ideally one trained through EMDRIA
  • Start small. You don’t need to confront everything all at once
  • Use grounding tools like breathing or visualization between sessions
  • Be patient with integration. Sometimes you’ll feel worse before you feel better
  • Stick with it. EMDR is powerful, but like physical therapy for the brain, it takes commitment

Myths vs. Facts About EMDR

Myth: EMDR is hypnosis.
Fact: EMDR doesn’t put you under—you’re awake and in control the whole time.

Myth: You must relive everything in detail.
Fact: You focus on key parts of the memory. Verbal detail isn’t necessary.

Myth: It only works for PTSD.
Fact: EMDR also helps with anxiety, grief, phobias, and self-esteem issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is EMDR different from talk therapy?
Talk therapy involves insight and analysis. EMDR activates the brain’s processing systems directly—helping you change how your brain stores the memory, not just how you think about it.

What kind of trauma does EMDR treat?
Everything from “big T” traumas like assault or accidents to “small t” experiences like bullying, humiliation, or chronic stress.

Can EMDR be done virtually?
Yes. Many therapists offer EMDR online using visual or auditory stimulation methods.

How fast does EMDR work?
Some clients feel better in a few sessions. Others need more time depending on the complexity of the trauma. EMDR often works faster than traditional therapy.

Ready to Explore EMDR Therapy?

If you’re a high-achieving professional stuck in cycles of anxiety, burnout, or distress—EMDR could help you finally move forward. Schedule a consultation today or explore our EMDR resources to learn more about how EMDR works in the brain and whether it’s the right fit for you.

July 07 2024

About Individual Therapy

Author AM Nelson Categories Pyschology, Therapy

Unfortunately, the big T traumas, small t traumas, and the accumulation of everyday woes can leave us feeling stuck, anxious, fearful, overly sad, grieving, or doomed to relive the past on repeat.  Therapy helps many people step off the hamster wheel of past stuckness and emotional reactivity.   

Therapy helps to process and understand past experiences, explore our beliefs, and consider the conclusions we’ve made.  Therapy is a process that can shift thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and relationships which can contribute to health and improved well-being. 

I offer individual psychotherapy using evidence-based practices. This means that I use research and clinical knowledge from experts that have been shown to be effective for specific difficulties. I frequently use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), psychodynamic therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). 

Our initial session will include an assessment where I gather information about your current strengths and difficulties, historical information that is impacting your current situation, and collaborate with you on treatment options, goals, and priorities.  From your unique wants and needs, we will work together to determine an individual treatment plan for you.  Not all issues respond equally to treatment type, and some treatments can be contraindicated in certain situations.  We will collaborate to create a treatment plan that is clinically sound and specific to meet your goals. 

I specialize in EMDR and brief therapy. These techniques are designed to create rapid change in the fewest number of sessions possible. Typical brief therapy is completed in 12 sessions or fewer. Many clients feel a shift or a release after 3 or 4 sessions.  Some clients end treatment after brief therapy, and others choose to continue therapy for enhanced well-being. Not all circumstances are appropriate for brief therapy. I also provide EMDR and psychotherapy to clients wishing to continue their growth, or for clients where brief techniques are not appropriate.

September 09 2023

Exploring the Success Rate of EMDR Therapy

Author AM Nelson Categories EMDR, Pyschology

Unveiling the Power of EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy, short for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, has gained attention for its remarkable effectiveness in treating various mental health conditions, especially post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But what exactly is the success rate of EMDR therapy? In this beginner’s guide, we’ll dive into the research and studies that shed light on the impressive outcomes of EMDR treatment.

Studies Showcasing the Effectiveness of EMDR Therapy

One of the most compelling aspects of EMDR therapy is the wealth of research backing its success. Numerous studies have examined the impact of EMDR treatment on individuals suffering from PTSD and related conditions.

The Power of EMDR for Single-Event Trauma Victims

A series of studies have shown astounding results for single-event trauma victims. In some cases, as many as 84-90% of individuals who underwent just three ninety-minute EMDR sessions were found to no longer exhibit symptoms of PTSD. Imagine the relief of individuals who, after a relatively short course of treatment, found their lives significantly improved.

Even more astonishing, another study reported a 100% success rate for single-event trauma victims. This means that every participant in the study experienced significant relief from their PTSD symptoms. While individual experiences may vary, this statistic highlights the potential for EMDR therapy to be a game-changer in the lives of those who have suffered trauma.

EMDR’s Impact on Multiple Trauma Victims

But what about individuals who have experienced multiple traumas? Can EMDR therapy be just as effective for them? The answer, according to research, is a resounding yes.

One study, in particular, shows success in 77% of multiple trauma victims after only six fifty-minute EMDR sessions. This finding suggests that even for those with complex trauma histories, EMDR therapy can offer significant relief and healing.

EMDR Therapy for Tinnitus: A Surprising Success

While EMDR therapy is commonly associated with treating PTSD and related disorders, it has also shown promise in unexpected areas. A study conducted by the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust in 2019 examined the use of EMDR therapy for tinnitus.

The results of this study were astonishing. It concluded that EMDR therapy, specifically tailored for tinnitus (tEMDR), resulted in clinically and statistically significant improvements in tinnitus symptoms for the majority of participants. Even more impressively, the positive effects of this treatment were still evident six months after treatment had concluded.

This study’s inclusivity, encompassing a diverse range of tinnitus patients, underscores the adaptability and potential of EMDR therapy in addressing various conditions beyond its more conventional applications.

Understanding the Success Rate

While these studies demonstrate the remarkable success rate of EMDR therapy, it’s essential to understand that individual experiences may vary. The effectiveness of EMDR can depend on various factors, including the severity of the trauma, the individual’s readiness for therapy, and the therapist’s skill.

Additionally, EMDR therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each person’s journey toward healing is unique, and the number of sessions required can vary significantly. Some individuals may find relief after just a few sessions, while others may benefit from a more extended treatment plan.

The Takeaway on EMDR Therapy’s Success Rate

In conclusion, the success rate of EMDR therapy is indeed impressive, particularly for individuals suffering from single-event trauma and, remarkably, even for those with complex trauma histories. The positive outcomes of EMDR therapy extend beyond PTSD treatment, as demonstrated by its effectiveness in addressing tinnitus symptoms.

However, it’s crucial to approach EMDR therapy with realistic expectations. While it has shown tremendous promise, individual results can vary. The best course of action is to consult with a qualified EMDR therapist who can assess your unique needs and create a tailored treatment plan.

EMDR therapy continues to offer hope and healing to those who have experienced trauma, showcasing its potential as a transformative therapeutic approach.

September 09 2023

What Conditions and Problems Does EMDR Treat? A Beginner’s Guide

Author AM Nelson Categories EMDR, Pyschology, Trauma

Understanding EMDR Treatment

When it comes to seeking effective mental health treatment, it’s essential to know your options. One lesser-known but highly effective therapy is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). While EMDR might sound complicated, it’s a versatile treatment method that can address a wide range of conditions and problems. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore what EMDR is and delve into the various conditions it can effectively treat.

EMDR for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

One of the most well-known uses of EMDR treatment is for individuals struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD can develop after experiencing traumatic events, such as accidents, abuse, combat, or natural disasters. People with PTSD often suffer from flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety related to their traumatic experiences.

EMDR helps individuals process and heal from these traumatic memories by using a structured approach. During EMDR therapy, a trained therapist guides patients through a series of bilateral stimulation techniques, such as following the therapist’s finger movements with their eyes. This process helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity and allowing patients to regain control over their lives.

EMDR for Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions worldwide. EMDR treatment has shown promising results in alleviating symptoms of various anxiety disorders, including:

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder: People with generalized anxiety disorder often experience excessive worry and fear about everyday situations. EMDR can help them process the underlying causes of their anxiety.
  • Panic Disorder: Individuals with panic disorder have sudden and intense episodes of fear, known as panic attacks. EMDR can assist in identifying and addressing the triggers behind these episodes.
  • Phobias: Whether it’s a fear of flying, spiders, or heights, phobias can be debilitating. EMDR can be used to desensitize individuals to their specific phobias.
  • Social Anxiety/Phobia: EMDR can help those who struggle with social anxiety by addressing the root causes of their fears and helping them build confidence in social situations.

EMDR for Depression Disorders

Depression can manifest in various forms, and EMDR is a valuable tool in treating different types of depression, including:

  • Major Depressive Disorder: EMDR helps individuals with major depressive disorder explore the underlying issues contributing to their depression and develop coping strategies.
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder: Also known as dysthymia, this form of depression is characterized by chronic low mood. EMDR can help individuals identify and address long-standing emotional patterns.
  • Illness-Related Depression: Coping with chronic illness can lead to depressive symptoms. EMDR can assist in processing the emotional impact of illness.

EMDR for Dissociative Disorders

Dissociative disorders involve a disconnection between one’s thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory. EMDR has been applied successfully to treat:

  • Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) or Amnesia: DID involves the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states, each with its own way of perceiving the world. EMDR can help individuals integrate these identities and heal from past traumas.
  • Depersonalization or Derealization Disorder: Individuals with these disorders often feel detached from themselves or their surroundings. EMDR can assist in reconnecting them to their sense of self and reality.

EMDR for Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can have devastating physical and psychological consequences. EMDR has been used in the treatment of:

  • Anorexia Nervosa: EMDR can help individuals address the underlying issues related to body image and self-esteem that contribute to this condition.
  • Bulimia Nervosa: EMDR can assist individuals in managing the impulses and emotional triggers that lead to binge-eating and purging behaviors.
  • Binge-Eating Disorder: EMDR can help individuals gain insight into the emotional factors driving their binge-eating episodes and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

EMDR for Gender Dysphoria

Gender dysphoria occurs when an individual’s gender identity doesn’t align with their assigned gender at birth. EMDR can be used to help individuals explore their feelings, experiences, and challenges related to gender identity.

EMDR for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). EMDR can assist individuals in identifying and reducing the anxiety associated with these thoughts and behaviors, promoting healthier coping mechanisms.

EMDR for Personality Disorders

Personality disorders can profoundly affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, and relationships. EMDR has shown promise in treating:

  • Borderline Personality Disorder: EMDR can help individuals with borderline personality disorder manage their intense emotions and unstable relationships by addressing past traumas.
  • Avoidant Personality Disorder: Individuals with this disorder often experience extreme social anxiety. EMDR can assist in addressing the underlying causes of this anxiety.
  • Antisocial Personality Disorder: While EMDR may not treat the core traits of this disorder, it can help individuals address trauma and improve their overall well-being.

EMDR for Trauma Disorders

In addition to PTSD, EMDR can effectively treat other trauma-related disorders, including:

  • Acute Stress Disorder: Similar to PTSD, acute stress disorder can develop after a traumatic event. EMDR helps individuals process these experiences, preventing long-term distress.
  • Adjustment Disorder: EMDR can assist individuals in coping with major life changes, such as job loss or divorce, by helping them process the associated emotions and adapt more effectively.

EMDR Can Be a Game-Changer

In conclusion, EMDR treatment is a versatile and highly effective approach for addressing a wide range of mental health conditions and problems. Whether you’re struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, or personality issues, EMDR offers hope and healing. It’s important to remember that EMDR is most effective when administered by a trained and licensed therapist. If you or someone you know is dealing with any of the conditions mentioned in this guide, consider discussing EMDR treatment with a mental health professional.

EMDR treatment can be a game-changer, providing a path to recovery, emotional well-being, and a brighter future.

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