The mysteriously named 'EMDR' uses eye movements to unlock trauma that's trapped in your system. EMDR has been extensively tested and was ratified by the VA as the most effective treatment for trauma.

An event doesn't have to be a "Big T Trauma" such as an earthquake or an assault, to have a traumatic effect. Especially when we are children, events that seem small to others can have a lasting effect. Being isolated at school, being spoken to harshly by a teacher, early medical procedures, moving house, listening to parents fight--these are some of the normal life events that can leave a traumatic trace. Those traumatic traces can cause us to unconsciously believe things about ourselves, such as that we are worthless, or unlovable, or bad. And those beliefs affect our ability to live a fulfilling, happy life.

EMDR therapy aims to light up the neural network in your brain that has stored the traumatic memory, and reprocess it. After reprocessing, you will still have the visual part of the memory, but without the fear or anger or other strong feelings that used to be stored with it. You'll also be freed from the negative beliefs about yourself that formed around your experiences--especially if they happened in childhood.

EMDR can be intense. It's not for everyone. But if you think trauma is affecting your life, and are interested in this form of therapy, call me for a free consultation.