EMDR Therapy at KIHC

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. EMDR works by targeting the feelings, thoughts, or behaviors that arise from trauma, helping the brain reorganize and release them in a healthy way. Originally developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has since become a widely recognized treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other conditions related to past distressing events.

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require clients to share every detail about their traumatic experiences. Instead, it uses gentle guided movements, such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds, to support the brain’s natural process and heal from difficult memories. These techniques are similar to what the brain does during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, a sleep phase associated with memory and emotional processing. By engaging this natural mechanism in a safe, therapeutic setting, EMDR helps reduce the emotional charge of distressing memories so they no longer feel as overwhelming.

Who Can Benefit from EMDR Therapy?

EMDR is particularly effective for individuals of any age who are struggling with:

• PTSD and complex trauma
• Anxiety and panic disorders
• Phobias and irrational fears
• Grief and loss
• Chronic pain linked to past trauma
• Negative self-beliefs and low self-esteem

What to Expect in an EMDR Session

A trained EMDR Therapist will gently guide clients through an eight-step process that includes identifying upsetting memories, building healthy coping strategies, and using techniques like eye movements or tapping to support healing. Sessions are structured and paced according to each individual’s comfort and readiness. As the therapy progresses, these difficult memories often become less emotionally charged, helping clients feel more balanced and in control of their thoughts and feelings.

Why Choose EMDR?

If you’ve been carrying the weight of past experiences and are looking for a gentle, effective way to move forward, EMDR therapy might be the support you need. By allowing the brain to reprocess trauma in a safe and structured way, EMDR empowers individuals to move forward without being controlled by past experiences. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, trauma, grief, or overwhelming stress, EMDR offers a focused, effective path to emotional healing, helping you move forward with clarity and confidence.

EMDR Therapy at KIHC

EMDR therapy is offered by Mary Broeders, our Social Worker and Mental Health Therapist. You’re welcome to contact our reception staff to schedule a complimentary 10-minute appointment with Mary, to discuss whether EMDR might be helpful for your health and wellbeing.

Additional Resources

Here are two great resources for learning more about EMDR therapy and how it supports emotional healing:

1. Getting Past Your Past by Francine Shapiro. This accessible and insightful book explains how EMDR works in a way that is easy to understand. It’s a helpful read for anyone curious about trauma, healing, and personal growth.
2. The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) website offers a wide range of articles, podcasts, and educational resources to help you learn more about EMDR therapy and whether it may be the right fit for your healing journey.

Photo by Basil Smith.