What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy. The TLDR about this is that we use back and forth movements (could be your eyes, sounds, or taping side to side) to help your brain get into a reprocessing mode. This brings our brains to a mindful state that allows for reprocessing and desensitization of negative emotions. EMDR is likely unlike any other type of therapy that you have ever heard of because you do not speak very much. It’s not talk therapy, it’s well reprocessing therapy. That said, your therapist will check-in on you from time-to-time and ask you what you are noticing. This is just to make sure that you are processing effectively and not getting stuck or anything. During processing you may notice memories, thoughts, feelings, and body sensations all of this is normal and helps to reprocess.

What does reprocessing look like? Well, usually clients describe a strong sense of a new belief that emerges without therapist intervention. Others describe the negative memories fading away or becoming easier to look at. After EMDR many describe feeling more confident, less burdened, and have a reduction in anxiety, trauma and depression symptoms. In some rare cases EMDR may not work for you or you may dissociate and you will need to work with an EMDR therapist that specializes in dissociation. Audrey Meacham is an EMDRIA Approved EMDR Therapist and is currently under supervision to become EMDRIA Certified. Audrey’s EMDR specializations include dissociation, complex trauma (C-PTSD) and sexual assault.

In Florida and ready to learn more? Reach out to Audrey Meacham, LCSW at audrey@willowtherapyframework.com for a free consultation.