What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is one form of psychotherapy that has been proven effective for the treatment of Complex Trauma and PTSD.

How is EMDR different than traditional talk therapy?

EMDR is structured therapy which uses an 8-phase process to bring attention to past memories while addressing negative self-beliefs. Treatment with EMDR stimulates both sides of the brain, typically through eye movement or butterfly tapping, which allows a person to “have one foot in the past and one foot in the present.” EMDR’s focus on physical and bodily sensations separates it from other forms of trauma treatment.

EMDR therapy has been shown to be one effective form of trauma treatment by organizations including the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, American Psychiatric Association, the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs and the World Health Organization (source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)

As an EMDR trained therapist in Pennsylvania I provide EMDR sessions virtually. See the FAQ for how EMDR sessions can be held virtually. Resilient Paths Counseling , York PA provides telehealth services throughout Pennsylvania.

How does EMDR help with trauma?

EMDR therapy can help individuals recover from trauma, negative self-beliefs, and other distressing life experiences.

EMDR addresses physical sensations that are often connected to the memory of a traumatic or distressing life event.

Treatment with EMDR stimulates both sides of the brain (through eye movement or “butterfly tapping”) and has been said to mimic REM sleep.