Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy.  It is a form of therapy that is focused on helping people to heal from past experiences that are traumatic or distressing.  It is a modality of therapy that can be used to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addiction, and many others.  

EMDR includes bilateral stimulation.  This can occur by way of back-and-forth eye movements (visual), taps (tactile), or sounds (auditory).  The purpose of bilateral stimulation is multifaceted.  It is believed that the bilateral stimulation assists communication to occur between different parts of the brain that do not communicate effectively during traditional talk therapy.

EMDR consists of 8 phases.  Most people think of EMDR as when you begin to utilize bilateral stimulation while looking at the traumatic event, however EMDR really starts on day one of your therapy. Gathering a thorough history, building rapport and comfort for you as the client, and preparing for reprocessing are essential elements before we open up a traumatic or distressing memory.

Is EMDR the same as Exposure Therapy?

Click here to read more about EMDR and the 8 phases in Cindy Zabinski's most recent blog post.
No.  During EMDR, we use different tools and analogies to prevent you from engaging in an exposure. We do not want anyone to feel as if they are re-experiencing the event, which could potentially be overwhelming and re-traumatizing. We will be looking at your past as if it were a movie on a screen and you are holding the remote control. Another way of thinking of EMDR is to imagine you are on a moving train and watching the event go by outside the window as you pass by. Or, you are on a bridge over a river and look down to see the memory floating down the river as if a leaf passing underneath you. We take this perspective and precautions to ensure that you are not reliving the event. Research has shown that re-experiencing or verbalizing every detail of a traumatic event in therapy is not required, and is often counterproductive, for you to heal.

Can I do EMDR virtually?

Yes! EMDR can be very effective virtually, as long as you have a private and safe enough space where you can engage your appointments with your online therapist. You can choose a cozy corner of your house to create a comfortable area, or choose another place that feels comfortable and safe enough for you (this can be your office at work, parking your car in a quiet area of a park or at the beach, or a family member's or friend's house). Your online therapist will work to identify the bilateral stimulation that works best for you, just as they would if you were in person. 

Do I have to decide whether I want to do EMDR when I first start therapy?

No, you can decide at any point in time during your therapy if and when you feel ready to engage in EMDR work.  You can work in conjunction with your therapist to decide when is the best time for you.  EMDR can be worked into your therapy if you are working with an EMDR trained therapist, or it can be done as an add-on to your therapy with a different therapist.

What can EMDR help with?

EMDR is considered an evidenced-based treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It can also be helpful for the treatment of anxiety, panic attacks, chronic illness and pain, depression, bipolar disorder, grief/loss, eating disorders, performance anxiety, addiction, trauma (that does not meet the criteria for PTSD), and sleep disturbance.

Questions about EMDR?

Call us at (516) 406-8991. Speak with a therapist to answer your questions and determine if scheduling an appointment is right for you.

Ready to schedule an appointment for EMDR?

Fill out our Contact Form, or use our online portal to check availability in real time and request an initial appointment.