EMDR & Trauma Informed Therapy
Many of us have faced negative or scary and life-threatening experiences that have impacted how we move through the world; this is trauma. Trauma can profoundly affect how we navigate the world, often leaving lasting emotional and psychological scars. Whether stemming from a single life-threatening event as an adult, or chronic neglect or abuse during childhood, trauma can disrupt our sense of safety, self-esteem, and ability to be in healthy relationships. The effects of trauma don’t have to define your life or follow you through your entire life. Using evidenced-based Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, our therapists help you integrate traumatic experiences into your personal narrative. This structured therapy offers a faster way than traditional talk therapy to confront and resolve a range of issues related to trauma.
Benefits of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy offers numerous benefits, including:
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Improved sleep
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Decreased emotional distress from traumatic memories
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Reduced somatic symptoms from traumatic memories
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Improved self-esteem and trust of one’s judgement
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Ability to form healthy relationships
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Reduction in anxiety symptoms and phobic-like behaviors
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Greater resiliency
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Being more present in one’s daily life
Who We Help
Whether “capital T” trauma (such as combat trauma, a sexual assault or surviving a near death event), or a “lower case t” trauma (such as chronic bullying in childhood, wounds from relationships with parents, or going through a divorce), EMDR therapy can provide relief. Our therapists are experienced in treating a wide range of traumatic experiences, providing personalized and trauma-informed care to meet your goals. We help people who have experienced the following types of traumas using EMDR therapy:
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Attachment Trauma: This includes experiences such as neglect, emotional or physical abuse, or unstable caregiving in childhood.
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Betrayal Trauma: Examples of betrayal trauma include discovery of an affair, feeling abandoned by friends or family in a time of need, or being “thrown under the bus” by coworkers or your place of employment.
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Traumatic Loss: The sudden end of a relationship, whether due to death or an unexpected break-up or divorce, can make the grief process even more difficult. Witnessing a loved one time overtime from a horrible chronic condition can also cause trauma.
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Combat Trauma: Veterans who experienced the threat of, or actual violent attacks while serving often experience a range of PTSD symptoms even once they’ve returned home.
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“Critical Incident Stress” in First Responders: Chronic exposure to high-stress or traumatic situations in professions like firefighting, law enforcement and emergency medicine can lead to burnout or PTSD.
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Survivors or Witnesses of Violent Crime: If you experienced an attack or crime in which you thought you or a loved one was going to die or experience significant harm, you might experience PTSD from this event.
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Sexual Trauma: Whether in childhood or as an adult, sexual trauma can negatively impact our ability to trust, develop healthy relationships and engage in healthy sexual experiences. “Grooming” for sexual abuse, experiencing coercive or unwanted sexual experiences may also result in PTSD.
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Medical Trauma: Events like a traumatic birth, a pregnancy loss, surviving a severe illness or battling cancer, are frightening medical events that may leave you with PTSD. If you also felt abandoned by, unheard or unseen, or gaslight by your medical providers or support system, there may be multiple layers to the trauma.
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Accidents or Natural Disasters: Surviving a severe car accident or a natural disaster such as a wildfire or earthquake, may cause trauma symptoms.