Suzanne​ M. Riedel, M.S., LMFT

EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy is an integrative psychotherapy that has been proven effective for the treatment of various traumas and has been utilized for more than 25 years. EMDR is a set of protocols that incorporate elements from many different treatment approaches.

 

How Does it Work?

When a person is upset, the brain cannot process information as it typically does. Traumatic moments become "frozen in time". These memories have a lasting negative effect on our ability to engage in life. EMDR affects the way the brain processes information. EMDR is similar to what occurs naturally during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Therefore, EMDR can be thought of as a physiologically based therapy that uses eye movement to help a person see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way.

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How Long Will it Take?

One or more sessions are required for the therapist to understand the nature of the problem and to decide whether EMDR is an appropriate treatment. The type of problem, life circumstances, and the amount of previous trauma will determine how many treatment sessions are necessary. EMDR may be used within a standard "talking" therapy session or as a treatment by itself. Generally speaking, EMDR accelerates a person's response to therapy concepts that are connected to a client's past trauma. 

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I am a certified EMDR therapist through the EMDR International Association. If you are interested in learning more about EMDR Therapy, please set up a phone consultation or visit www.emdr.org.