Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Relational, Trauma, and EMDR Therapy in Marlborough, Massachusetts

You’re feeling stuck in the past.

You’re noticing that your response to certain stressors is feeling way out of proportion. Even when a situation seems like something you should be able to manage, your emotions and your body are telling you otherwise. Or maybe you notice some connection between what happened in the past and what you’re experiencing now, but you’re feeling stuck and unsure about how to move forward. Going through this over and over again is exhausting and frustrating, and often confusing.

I believe that our past experiences have a profound impact on us today - in both positive and negative ways. Our brains are wired for survival and adaptation, which means that we find ways to carry on with life even after we’ve experienced trauma or emotionally difficult experiences. But sometimes those past experiences can get “stuck” in our nervous system, setting the stage for present-day stressors to activate old memories and the intense emotions connected to them.

Maybe you’re:

  • Having intense emotional responses that seem out of proportion to the situation.

  • Feeling like you can’t move on from the past.

  • Ready for relief.

how i can help

EMDR can help you find peace.

EMDR is an evidence-based treatment that can help you heal from past experiences that are still impacting you today. We’ll start by exploring the current situations that are “activating” intense emotions or memories, and work together to build some resources to help with coping. We’ll also take a look at the past and identify memories and past experiences that may be contributing to your current struggles.

From there, we’ll begin “reprocessing” the memories, one at time. This entails focusing on the memory while experiencing bilateral stimulation (more on this below). I will provide support and guidance throughout this process. Our goal is for the memories and associated emotions to feel less intense, and for you to arrive at a feeling of resolution. Ultimately, this should help lessen the impact of those past experiences on your daily life.

faqs

Common questions about EMDR.

  • While the name of the therapy contains the term “eye movements", research has shown that other forms of bilateral stimulation (BLS), such as tactile or auditory options, are also effective. Many of my clients prefer tappers/buzzers, which are small handheld paddles. You put one in each hand and they alternate vibrations.

    The purpose of the BLS is to activate a calming response in the nervous system and tax your working memory so that you are paying attention to 2 things at once: the distressing memory and the BLS. This “dual attention” weakens the intensity of the memory because your brain can’t fully focus on both at the same time. As a result, the memory starts to feel less vivid and emotionally charged.

  • A great thing about EMDR is that we can reprocess a memory without you sharing details about it. Some people like to share a fuller description of the memory. Others would prefer to give a very brief description. Either way, I can support you with reprocessing it.

  • The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) has lots of information about EMDR and the theory behind it. You can access that website here.

    I’m also happy to answer any questions you have during an initial consultation.

I want you to know:

Change is possible.

Let’s work together to get you unstuck from the past.