What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (or EMDR), is a structured form of therapy used to address trauma. In EMDR therapy, the therapist guides the client to focus on a memory and then engage in bilateral stimulation, which is usually in the form of moving the eyes back and forth. EMDR is an extensively researched therapy shown to decrease the impact of traumatic events and the lasting traumatic symptoms.
This approach is offered as part of body-centered therapy for women in Massachusetts and the Greater Boston area by Kimberly S. Bevans, LMHC, BC-DMT, through in-person and telehealth sessions.
Who can benefit from EMDR?
EMDR is commonly used to help process trauma, anxiety, and distress related to past experiences. Both children and adults can benefit from EMDR therapy. In my practice, I use EMDR to treat people experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, grief, intrusive imagery, intrusive thoughts, stress-related issues, PTSD, relationship issues, family struggles, as well as feelings of guilt and shame.
How does EMDR therapy work?
EMDR encourages parts of the brain to communicate with each other while focusing on a memory from a difficult experience. EMDR helps the brain help itself by bringing up images, thoughts, sensations, or emotions through bilateral stimulation–often in the form of moving the eyes back and forth–which reignites the body and brain’s natural healing process.
When we are distressed, we have responses of fight, flight, freeze, and fawn to keep us safe. Our bodies and brains are built to heal and recover from difficult experiences. It is often the case that our brains recover from trauma all on their own. However, our brains and bodies can get stuck with thoughts, emotions, and body sensations related to the distressing event long after it is over.
EMDR assists the brain and body to complete the natural healing cycle, by encouraging parts of the brain to communicate with each other while focusing on the memory. These parts include the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex.
Engaging in EDMR will not cause memory loss but allows your stuck response to resolve. Your memory of the event will be less emotionally charged and less distressing. EMDR will clear the pathway for you to create new understanding and peace around the difficult event or events.
Please visit the EMDRIA website for more information.
How does Kimberly Schmidt Bevans, LMHC, BC-DMT use EMDR?
I have been trained in the use of EMDR through the EMDR Institute. If we use EMDR in your therapy session, we will identify how you feel stuck and what patterns you may be repeating or what is distressing that you just can’t seem to move through on your own. Once we identify the problem, I will guide you through the phases of preparing and then engaging in bilateral stimulation. The full EMDR process includes preparing for triggers as well as building tools to recenter and refocus after addressing disturbing images and feelings. It is not necessary in EMDR to talk about the event of trauma itself.
Are you ready to take back control of your life with the help of EMDR?
Book a free consultation to see how EMDR can help you process your trauma.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) is a structured form of therapy used to address many mental health issues including trauma, depression, anxiety, OCD and chronic pain. During EMDR, you are asked to focus on a specific event while engaging in bilateral stimulation, often in the form of moving your eyes back and forth. EMDR is an extensively researched therapy shown to decrease the impact of traumatic events and lasting traumatic symptoms.
Is EMDR therapy only for PTSD, or can it help with other concerns?
EMDR is used to address trauma and is also used in this practice to support anxiety, panic attacks, intrusive imagery, intrusive thoughts, stress-related issues, relationship issues, family struggles, OCD, depressed mood and feelings of guilt and shame.
Do I have to talk in detail about the traumatic event during EMDR?
No. It is not necessary to talk about the traumatic event itself during EMDR.
Will EMDR erase or change my memories?
No. EMDR does not cause memory loss. The memory remains, but it becomes less emotionally charged and less distressing. You are also not hypnotized during EMDR.
What if I feel overwhelmed during EMDR sessions?
The EMDR process includes preparation for expanding your capacity for triggers. The EMDR therapist has tools to help you build capacity to move through disturbing images and distressing feelings as they arise.
What kind of bilateral stimulation is used in EMDR?
Bilateral stimulation is often done through guided eye movements back and forth. In virtual, online EMDR sessions this can be done using an EMDR website designed to move a dot back and forth. In person the therapist can move their fingers back and forth, or use a light bar, vibrating objects held in each hand, or use a headset that alternatingly makes a sound in each ear. The client can also be guided to tap bilaterally on or in their own body.
Is EMDR appropriate for children as well as adults?
Yes. Both children and adults can benefit from EMDR therapy.