EMDR Therapy
Most of our services are offered in person, conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan, and online.
Bilingual services for Spanish speakers
What is Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy?
EMDR is an evidence-based treatment that was created by Francine Shapiro in the 1980s. It was originally developed to treat posttraumatic stress disorder. Since its inception, mental health professionals have continued to study its application in different settings and with different mental health issues. We now have decades of research supporting the effectiveness of EMDR as a treatment for anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias and addictions, to name a few. EMDR is a specialized treatment that requires significant training to be done proficiently.
What Will it Be Like to Do EMDR?
Initially, you’ll go through a preparation phase in which your therapist will get to know you and your history. Together, you will decide on a specific memory or “target” to work on. Only once you and your therapist feel you have the tools to manage whatever comes up during processing and you feel safe enough to do so, will you begin the “processing” phase.
During an EMDR session, you'll talk to a therapist about the upsetting memory while also focusing on something else at the same time, most commonly eye movements where you follow the therapist's finger or a dot on a screen as it goes from side to side. Sometimes, other forms of "bilateral stimulation" (BLS) are used, like tapping on your hands or listening to sounds alternating in each ear. PACS also offers the option of using buzzers you hold in your hands as they vibrate alternating sides. You will work with your therapist to find the best form of bilateral stimulation for you.
When you think of a difficult memory or feeling as you focus on the eye movements (or whatever form of BLS you’re using), that focus distracts you just enough to allow your brain to reprocess the memory in a new way without being overwhelmed by intense emotions. As you process, you will notice new aspects of the memory. During processing, we will just follow the trail as it comes up, eventually getting to a place where this issue no longer has power over your life. The theory behind EMDR is that we all have the capacity to process these memories in a healthy way, and the BLS simply facilitates this process.
The goal of EMDR is not to erase the memory but to take away the intense emotional charge that's attached to it. So, you'll still remember what happened, but it won't feel as upsetting or overwhelming anymore. It's like the memory gets filed away properly, in the past, where it belongs.
How Will I Feel After an EMDR Session?
It really depends on the content of the session. Some people describe feeling lighter right after processing, other people might feel sadness. It’s different every session and for every individual. Your therapist will work with you to make sure you have enough time to manage these feelings prior to the end of your session. In addition, you’ll continue to process after the session, so you might find that the way you feel changes as the days go by.
EMDR at PACS
It really depends on the content of the session. Some people describe feeling lighter right after processing, other people might feel sadness. It’s different for every session and for every individual. Your therapist will work with you to make sure you have enough time to manage these feelings prior to the end of your session. In addition, you’ll continue to process after the session, so you might find that the way you feel changes as the days go by.
You can also email us at info@pacsnyc.com for more information.