🌿 EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing)

🕯️ Healing the mind by reprocessing the past

EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they lose their emotional intensity. It’s best known for treating PTSD, and is increasingly used for anxiety, depression, phobias, and more. Dozens of controlled studies support its effectiveness, and organizations like the U.S. VA/DoD and WHO recognize EMDR for trauma care.

We offer EMDR for adolescents, teens, and adults (and have clinicians trained to adapt EMDR for children).

💭 What is EMDR & why it’s different

In EMDR, you briefly access aspects of a painful memory while receiving bilateral stimulation (side-to-side eye movements, alternating tones, or gentle taps). You don’t have to recount every detail. The goal isn’t to forget; it’s to remember without reliving, so your present isn’t hijacked by the past.

The AIP model (Adaptive Information Processing).
EMDR is based on Dr. Francine Shapiro’s theory that the brain stores upsetting events differently from ordinary memories. During trauma, the brain’s “linking” and meaning-making can go offline, leaving memories raw and sensory-heavy (smells, images, body feelings). Later “triggers” (a sound, a smell) can pull you back into the experience. EMDR helps the brain relink, integrate, and resolve those memories so they become part of your story—without running your life.

🧠 What EMDR can help with

  • Trauma & PTSD, acute stress, adjustment-related distress

  • Anxiety disorders (GAD, panic, phobias, social anxiety)

  • Depressive disorders (MDD, persistent depression)

  • Grief & complicated loss

  • Dissociation (when clinically appropriate)

  • Obsessive–compulsive & related (OCD, body image, hoarding)

  • Eating disorders (as part of a comprehensive plan)

  • Personality-related patterns (e.g., shame, self-beliefs)

  • Performance blocks, chronic stress, low self-worth

You don’t need a single “big T” trauma for EMDR to help—many clients reprocess a series of “small t” experiences (rejection, betrayal, ongoing stress) that shaped negative core beliefs.

🪞 What to expect: the 8 EMDR phases

EMDR is structured and paced to your readiness. Sessions are typically 60–90 minutes. A single-incident trauma may take ~3–6 sessions of reprocessing; complex histories often take longer (8–12+). Your clinician will discuss a plan that fits your goals.

  1. History & Planning – We learn your story and target memories/themes.

  2. Preparation – Education, resourcing, and nervous-system calming tools.

  3. Assessment – Identify a target image, negative/positive beliefs, emotions, and body sensations.

  4. Desensitization – Bilateral stimulation while noticing what arises; the emotional charge decreases.

  5. Installation – Reinforce a positive belief (e.g., “I am safe,” “I am worthy”).

  6. Body Scan – Notice and clear remaining tension or activation.

  7. Closure – You leave grounded, with between-session stabilizers.

  8. Reevaluation – Review gains and set the next target or next steps.

How we do bilateral stimulation: tracking a therapist’s fingers or a moving light with your eyes, alternating tones through headphones, or gentle alternating taps/handheld pulsers—always with your consent and comfort first.

🌱 Why clients choose EMDR at Mara’s Lighthouse

  • Trauma-informed, culturally responsive therapists trained in EMDR

  • Whole-person care (mind–body–relationship), with optional in-house prescriber collaboration when helpful

  • Safety first: extensive preparation and pacing so you’re never pushed beyond your window of tolerance

  • Flexible delivery: EMDR can be integrated with CBT, mindfulness, parts-informed work, and skills building

⚖️ Benefits, limits & risks (plain-language)

Benefits

  • Strong research base; often faster symptom relief than talk-only methods

  • Less homework; minimal detail-by-detail recounting of trauma

  • Helps shift entrenched negative self-beliefs to adaptive ones

Limits / considerations

  • Works best for concerns linked to distressing experiences; conditions driven mainly by medical/neurological causes may need different primary approaches

  • While mechanisms continue to be studied, the clinical effectiveness is well supported

  • Between sessions you may notice temporary emotional waves or vivid dreams; we’ll equip you with stabilizing tools and support

⏱️ Timeline & between-session care

Most clients engage in EMDR over several weeks to a few months. Recovery time between sessions is minimal. You’ll have clear strategies for grounding, journaling insights, and knowing when to reach out.

📞 If you need urgent help

If you experience thoughts of harming yourself or others, seek immediate support:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) – call or text 988

  • 911 (or local emergency number) if you’re in immediate danger

  • Local crisis lines/community resources in your area

You’re not alone—help is available 24/7.

💖 Ready to reclaim your peace?

EMDR can help you move from reactivity to resilience—so the past stops dictating your present.
Click below to schedule a consultation and begin your EMDR journey.

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