EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is based on the idea that your brain has a natural ability to heal from psychological distress, much like your body heals from physical wounds. This idea is known as the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model.

According to the AIP model, most mental health symptoms—like anxiety, depression, or trauma responses—stem from past experiences that weren’t fully processed at the time they happened. When something overwhelming happens, the brain may store the memory in a way that keeps the distress “frozen in time,” along with the original emotions, thoughts, and body sensations. These unprocessed memories can get triggered in the present, leading to intense reactions that may seem out of proportion or hard to explain.

EMDR therapy helps your brain reprocess those stuck memories so they can be stored in a more adaptive, healthy way.

Once reprocessed, the memories no longer feel overwhelming or triggering, and you can move forward without being held back by the past.

In short: The AIP model says your brain knows how to heal—and EMDR helps it do just that.

What to Expect

1. We start with a comprehensive assessment to see if EMDR is right for you.
2. You’ll learn a variety of skills to feel safe and prepared.
3. Together, we identify current experiences and/or memories that are keeping you stuck.
4. We reprocess the experiences and/or memories using bilateral stimulation.
5. Sessions are collaborative and tailored to you, so you always feel supported.

To learn more about EMDR Therapy, please watch these videos:

• What is Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy?
• Introduction to EMDR Therapy