EMDR
EMDR, one memory at a time
For first responders and veterans with a call, a tour or a night that keeps replaying.
EMDR is short for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. While you hold a memory in mind, you follow side-to-side movement, sounds or taps. Your clinician paces the work, stops when you ask, and helps you steady yourself before you leave. Francine Shapiro developed the method, and the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) sets training standards for it. Ask your clinician where they trained; we are glad to say.
What it asks of you
Preparation first: sessions to build ways of steadying yourself before any memory work
A clinician who stays in the room, or on the video call, the whole time
You can stop at any point
Sessions
What sessions look like
- 01
Step 1: Getting to know you
The first sessions are conversation: work, sleep, home, what helps. No memory work yet.
- 02
Step 2: Preparing
You learn ways to steady yourself, so that you have them before you need them.
- 03
Step 3: Working with a memory
You choose a memory. You follow the movement, sound or tap, and notice what comes, a little at a time.
- 04
Step 4: Closing
Every session ends with time to settle, so you leave steadier than a cold start would allow.
What to know before you begin
What this is not
It is not hypnosis: you stay awake and in control. It is not required, and not the right fit for everyone. If another approach suits you better, we will say so.
Length and pace
Your clinician sets the pace with you. We do not promise a number of sessions, and you can pause or stop at any time.
How it is paid
These sessions are billed like any other visit. How fees work explains insurance, receipts and the written estimate.
How fees work
Questions
Three questions about this
Do I have to describe the memory out loud?
Not in detail. Many people share only what they choose to. Your clinician will explain how the work can go on with less said.
Can I stop in the middle of a session?
Yes. Tell your clinician and you will slow down together. Nothing is gained by pushing through.
Can I do EMDR by video?
Preparation sessions work well on video. Whether memory work is better in the office is something you and your clinician decide together.
Ready to talk about starting?
Write to us, or call. You do not have to say why you are writing.