Takeaway: As you may know firsthand, trauma can have ripple effects long after the event is over. Your mental health, relationships, and even your physical wellbeing can all be impacted.

However, there is hope. With EMDR therapy in NYC, you can process your experience and break free from your suffering. 

What is EMDR therapy?

EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. It is a type of therapy that was originally designed to help people heal from traumatic experiences. Unlike other methods of treating trauma, people who engage in EMDR therapy do not have to verbally describe the distressing events they survived.

Instead, EMDR therapists use a technique called bilateral stimulation to help clients change the way their brain and body reacts to traumatic memories.

Eye movements are one common form of bilateral stimulation. Researchers believe that these movements may mimic the eye movements we naturally make during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, helping us process information.

However, eye movement is not the only form of bilateral stimulation that EMDR therapists use. Playing certain sounds through headphones, holding small vibrating devices, or rhythmic tapping on your body are a few examples of other strategies that New York EMDR therapists use.

What is the EMDR therapy process like?

Keep in mind that most EMDR NYC therapists will tailor your treatment plan to meet your unique needs. Though there are guidelines for this form of therapy, your unique considerations must be taken into account. With that being said, EMDR typically consists of 8 different phases:

1. History taking and treatment planning. In this phase, your therapist will ask questions to gain a better understanding of what brings you into therapy. Together, you’ll make a plan for how to move forward.
2. Preparation. Your therapist will provide more information about EMDR. You’ll practice bilateral stimulation techniques (such as eye movements) and learn new coping skills to help you regain control if you get triggered.
   
3. Assessment. In this phase, your therapist will ask you to call to mind a traumatic memory. You don’t need to provide details about the memory, but you will use tools to describe how you feel when you think about the memory.
4. Desensitization. During desensitization, you will hold the traumatic memory in mind while your therapist leads you through bilateral stimulation exercises. Again, you’ll check in about how you’re feeling.
5. Installation. You and your therapist will explore new thought patterns that feel more helpful. During this phase, you’ll work to reprocess your traumatic memories with this new narrative.
6. Body scan. After working on incorporating the new narrative, you’ll talk about how your body feels. If you have any distressing symptoms, you’ll continue to process using some of the techniques you’ve already learned.
7. Closure. You and your therapist will work to get you grounded before you part ways. This will ensure that you’re not feeling triggered when you leave therapy.
8. Re-evaluation. At the next session, you and your therapist will check in about how you felt in the time between sessions. From there, you’ll decide what to focus on today.

Don’t worry if this sounds overwhelming right now. Your therapist will walk you through the entire process. It also doesn’t need to happen in a perfectly linear way-there is room for creativity and flexibility!

Benefits of EMDR trauma therapy

Each person enters trauma therapy with different struggles, strengths, and goals. While everyone gets something different out of therapy, there are many benefits that are backed by research. Here are just a few.

Improve quality of life

Experiencing trauma can make it difficult to live a fulfilled, meaningful life. Your identity, relationships, and overall wellness are impacted when you experience trauma. Thankfully, research has shown that eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy can help improve a person’s quality of life.

Reduce emotional distress

People with post traumatic stress disorder often experience hyperarousal, meaning they are easily triggered into a fight-or-flight state. Constant negative emotions are also common. With the help of EMDR therapy, however, people can reduce their levels of emotional distress.

Provide long-term recovery

Trauma counseling can be extremely helpful while it’s happening. Having a safe space to process your emotions and get support can be incredibly healing. However, what happens when therapy stops? Studies suggest that the results you achieve in EMDR therapy can be maintained even after our time together ends.  

My approach as an EMDR therapist in New York

As your EMDR therapist, I’m here to guide and support you along your journey of healing. However, everything I offer is a thoughtful suggestion that you can choose whether to embrace. Our work is collaborative. My hope is that you leave each session feeling empowered to tap into your inner wisdom and resilience.

I approach each EMDR therapy session with curiosity and compassion. I’m here to follow your lead. Trauma has taken away your power before, and therapy shouldn’t be a space where that happens again. You’re totally in control throughout the whole process.

Unlike in traditional talk therapy, you won’t be forced to talk about your traumatic memories as part of EMDR. Instead, you’ll learn new ways of coping that you can use to support yourself through your EMDR therapy process-and beyond.

If it sounds like we might be a good fit for each other, or if you’re interested in learning more about EMDR therapy in New York may be able to help you, contact me for a free consultation. I’d be honored to take part in your recovery alongside you.

FAQs about EMDR therapy in New York

EMDR is a totally new approach for most people, especially if you’ve engaged in traditional talk therapy before. Here, I’ve addressed a few common questions about EMDR therapy in NYC. However, if you still have more questions about EMDR treatment, I encourage you to reach out.

Does EMDR therapy help with anything besides post traumatic stress disorder?

EMDR therapy was originally designed to help people overcome trauma. However, there is some evidence that shows EMDR therapy can be beneficial even if you haven’t experienced trauma. More research is needed, but early studies suggests that EMDR can help with:

• Substance abuse
• Eating disorders
• Personality disorders
• Mood disorders, such as depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Pain
• Sleep issues

In the world of psychotherapy, EMDR is a relatively new treatment. Hopefully, future research will give us more information about exactly why it is helpful, as well as other potential issues that it can help with.

How many EMDR therapy sessions will I need to feel better?

EMDR helps many clients after just a few sessions. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), EMDR is typically provided once or twice a week for a total of six to twelve sessions. However, you and your therapist will work together to make a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Each person’s experience in therapy is different. There is no way to say for sure how many therapy sessions you will need to find relief. With that being said, EMDR is a highly effective treatment for many people. If you’re interested, why not give it a try?

Forge a new path forward with the help of EMDR in NYC

If you’ve experienced a traumatic event, you might worry that you will never fully recover. While it’s true that you are forever changed by your experience, you do have control with how you choose to move forward.

Healing is possible. While it can feel intimidating to find the right therapist and start the whole process, your mental health and wellness is worth it. Remember, there is no “right” way to heal, and the best EMDR therapist in NYC is the one who feels like the right fit for you.

Curious to see if we might be a match for each other? I encourage you to schedule a free 20-minute consultation to learn more. I look forward to hearing from you and helping you imagine a lighter, happier future.