EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a modality that integrates thoughts, sensory information, emotions, and body sensations to support integration of trauma and other challenging life experiences.
In addition to completing basic training, I am EMDR Certified through the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), and receive continued training in the following sub-specialties:
Complex trauma
Complex trauma refers to persistent, repeated, and/or long-term trauma, usually taking place in childhood. I often describe it as growing up in a traumatic environment rather than experiencing a single traumatic event. EMDR therapy for complex trauma can involve a more extended preparation phase, more attention to dissociative symptoms, more specific focus on themes of attachment, and overall more supportive structure to prevent overwhelm. In short, we’ll find a middle ground of taking a gentle pace while also maintaining forward momentum.
Dissociation and dissociative disorders
Much like with complex trauma, the nature of dissociation and dissociative disorders such as Other Specified Dissociative Disorder (OSDD) or Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) necessitates significant adaptation of EMDR therapy to prevent overwhelm and even a worsening of symptoms. I utilize a method referred to as the Progressive Approach, which incorporates EMDR techniques and parts work to support cooperation between parts and gradually reprocess distressing material.
Recent, prolonged, and ongoing traumatic stress
While EMDR therapy was initially developed with completed, single-incident events in mind, it can be effectively adapted to treat stress that is long-term, recent, and not cleanly in the past. Some of these themes could include ongoing stress from the state of the world, a stressful career, a natural disaster, or a strained family relationship.
EMDR Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
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Though EMDR is a well-researched, evidence-based therapy, the exact “mechanism of action” of EMDR therapy is not yet known. Like many trauma therapies, EMDR involves bringing up traumatic or distressing material, noticing what arises, and coming back to a grounded baseline. One distinguishing feature of EMDR therapy is the incorporation of side-to-side bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or self-tapping), which is thought to aid in the reprocessing of the traumatic or distressing material.
From a more “felt” level, I find that EMDR therapy works well because it provides enough structure for clients to feel safe enough to go to hard places and come back to groundedness after without getting overwhelmed.
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EMDR therapy is often thought of as a “quick-fix” to address trauma. For some clients, this has some truth, as they are able to more quickly resolve past traumatic experiences more quickly than through traditional talk-therapy. However, depending on your needs, EMDR therapy (or any trauma therapy, for that matter) may take longer to depthfully address all of your concerns. For complex trauma, I often expect treatment to last months to over a year. As always, you get the final say in the matter of when to pause or end therapy.
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No! The bilateral stimulation used for EMDR therapy can be administered through online software or self-tapping. From a purely administrative standpoint, the format of EMDR sessions is up to you.
Some people find, however, that EMDR therapy feels different depending on if they are at home or in the office. Some find that the container of the office makes it easier to leave the work in the session and carry on with their day. Others find that virtual sessions allow them to more fully engage with the session because they don’t have to drive home after. We’ll work together to determine what format is best for you.
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EMDR must be significantly adapted for working with complex trauma and dissociative disorders. I utilize the Progressive Method and weave in parts work for this. Here are a few high-level differences:
We work far more extensively to establish stabilization before reprocessing any past memories
We begin reprocessing more recent or peripheral events, and we ensure that all parts of you are on board with the work we are doing
We often use shorter “sets,” meaning that the exposure to the distressing material is much shorter compared to standard EMDR
The full answer to this question is hard to completely articulate in a quick FAQ answer! As such, please feel free to reach out with any questions.
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The main requirements for a therapist to receive the EMDR Certified designation include:
Completing at least 50 EMDR sessions with at least 25 unique clients
Obtaining 20 hours of consultation regarding these sessions
Completing 12 hours of continuing EMDR education
In addition to the on-paper requirements, I can say that pursuing certification has radically transformed, refined, and deepened my practice with EMDR therapy, particularly in my work with complex trauma and dissociative disorders.
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I accept Aetna, Cigna, Optum, and United Healthcare insurance, and am currently being paneled with additional providers. Please reach out for the most up-to-date information regarding insurance plans I accept.
My private-pay rate is $165 per 50-minute session. For those whose insurance I do not accept, I am happy to provide a Superbill to submit to insurance for reimbursement.