Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
Trauma Changes the Brain, EMDR Helps Rewire It
This powerful therapy helps you process painful memories so they stop controlling your present.
History
Review History, Identify Issues, Develop Treatment Plan
Prep Work
Create a Safe Place, Develop Self-Soothing Techniques, Connect with Inner Resources
Assessment
Identify Disturbing Events & Triggers, Associated Emotions & Body Sensations, Create a Positive Belief Statement
Desensitization
Bilateral Stimulation, React to New Insights, Continue Until Disturbing Emotions are Reduced
What is Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based therapy designed to help people process traumatic or distressing memories.
It uses bilateral stimulation — such as guided eye movements, taps, or sounds — to activate your brain’s natural healing system, allowing you to reprocess memories without being retraumatized.
EMDR is recommended by organizations like the APA, WHO, and Veterans Affairs for trauma recovery.
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What EMDR Helps With
EMDR helps people process and heal from trauma, whether it’s from childhood experiences, abuse, accidents, or medical events. It’s also effective for PTSD, phobias, intense anxiety, grief, and complex trauma, including dissociation.
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Alleviating PTSD and Addiction Symptoms
Transforming Emotional Responses
Reframing Negative Beliefs
Rapid Recovery and Symptom Relief
Building Long-Term Resilience
Is EMDR Right for Me?
EMDR might be great fit for:
Talk therapy hasn’t helped you move past the trauma
You keep reliving an event no matter how long it’s been
You have physical reactions (tight chest, panic, shutdown) tied to specific memories
You want deep trauma work in a short timeframe
You struggle with trust or don’t want to talk extensively about the event
What to Expect in Sessions
EMDR doesn’t require talking in detail about the trauma. Instead, you’ll:
Pinpoint the Pain Point
Identify a memory or “stuck” emotional issue
Activate with Bilateral Stimulation
Target it with eye movement, tapping, or tones
Reprocess Safely and Gently
Allow your brain to “reprocess” it in a safe, structured way
Shift the Story
Reduce emotional and physical reactivity to the memory
Feel Less Triggered
Reduce emotional and physical reactivity to the memory
Multilingual Services
EMDR at Aref Psychotherapy
Our EMDR-trained therapists offer trauma-informed care that is safe, paced, and always led by you. Sessions are tailored to your trauma history and emotional readiness, ensuring support that feels manageable and respectful. EMDR is available for individual adults and older teens, in multiple languages including English, Farsi, French, Russian, Arabic, Spanish, and more.
Have Questions About EMDR?
Our FAQ Page explains how EMDR compares to traditional therapy, what a session feels like, and how it works with trauma recovery.
Your Past Doesn’t Have to Define Your Future
You survived. Now let’s help your brain catch up to your strength.