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EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy that provides healing and hope to people recovering from adverse life experiences. It consists of eight (8) various phases of treatment that systematically address present, past, and future fears and goals. EMDR therapy is a mental health intervention and as such, is properly executed by trained and licensed mental health clinicians.

EMDR therapists utilize various forms of dual attention stimuli – bilateral eye movements, physical tapping, or auditory tones in a set of headphones. They also employ different types of equipment in performing EMDR Therapy. Your clinician may simply use their hand for eye movement, thera-tappers, light bars, or impromptu objects in the room (e.g., a pen, drum sticks, a foam ball, etc.) After the behavioral health specialist and client agree that EMDR therapy would be a good addendum to the overall treatment plan, the client will be asked to focus on a specific event. The client is asked to describe the most disturbing portion of the event; identify the negative beliefs attached to the images, and describe the associated body sensation and emotions. The client will then be asked what they would ideally like to believe about themselves when the event is brought back up into their memory.

While the client focuses on the upsetting event, the therapist will ask the client to observe the clinician providing a set of side-to-side eye movements. Sometimes clinicians opt to utilize bilateral tones via headphones or physical tapping right to left. The client will be guided to notice what they are experiencing in their mind, body, and/or emotional state from moment to moment; like they are watching scenery outside of a train window. The clinician will check in with the client periodically during the session to determine what they are experiencing. The client has permission to stop the therapist at any point if needed. The sets of bilateral stimulation are repeated until the event becomes less and less disturbing.

EMDR therapy helps clients of all ages. Therapists use EMDR therapy to address a wide range of challenges including but not limited to PTSD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, attachment disorders, addiction, grief, performance anxiety, etc. 

The EMDRIA Approved EMDR Basic Training Curriculum outlines the minimum requirements. These minimum training requirements include: 20 hours instructional material, 20 hours supervised practicum, and 10 hours consultation. 

An EMDR Certified Therapist ™ has completed the above basic training in addition to engaging in at least 20 hours of consultation with an EMDR Consultant™ for EMDR and has practiced their skills with at least 25 different clients in at least 50 EMDR sessions. An EMDR Certified Therapist™ has voluntarily met standards of consultation, clinical practice, and continuing education to provide EMDR therapy. An EMDR Certified Therapist™ is committed to fulfill ethical standards and is engaged in continuing education. To maintain this certification, a therapist must continue to satisfy the EMDRIA requirement including completion of continuing education requirements and adherence to ethical standards.