EMDR is an extensively researched psychotherapy that is effective in treating trauma, difficult experiences, emotional distress, and other mental health issues. Discovered in the late 1980’s, Francine Shapiro made the connection between eye movements and decreasing intensity of persistent upsetting memories. What started as a hypothesis, Dr. Shapiro developed a formal therapy process that has been demonstrated as an effective treatment.
As with most things related to the human brain, we have a limited understanding of the complex inner workings and mechanics. However extensive research has been done regarding the positive outcomes of EMDR Therapy. Our brain is able to naturally recover from traumatic events. This process involves communication between the amygdala (the alarm system), the hippocampus (this system helps with learning), and the prefrontal cortex (which analyzes and controls behavior). Many times we experience an event and this system can manage and resolve it spontaneously, other times it may not be processed without help. When it is not processed distressing emotions, thoughts, and even images can present. EMDR helps the brain process allowing normal natural healing to resume.
Many psychological difficulties are a result of distressing life experiences that were not processed or stored properly in the brain and are unprocessed or “stuck”. The mind can often heal itself naturally, the same way as the body does. For example, if you have a cut your body will naturally close the wound and heal. Though, if something gets stuck in the cut, it will likely become infected. The stuff that was stuck in the cut will need to be removed before the body’s natural healing can continue. The brain heals in a similar way. If we experience something distressing most of the time our mind can process it naturally and does not hold onto the distress. Sometimes an adverse experience occurs or repeated experiences where the brain becomes overloaded and does not process the experience correctly, it gets “stuck” which can lead to intense suffering. EMDR helps remove the block. Utilizing repeated sets of eye movements (Bilateral movement) the memory/distress that was blocked is then processed and tends to change in a way where it loses its intensity and simply become a neutral feeling; it becomes an event that happened in the past. Other memories and distress may also heal at the same time thus leading to rapid improvements.
Anxiety, Panic Attacks, and Phobias
PTSD
Chronic Illness medical issues
Sleep Problems
Traumatic Experiences
Depression and Bipolar
Pain
Negative Beliefs
Anger
Pain
Performance Fear/anxiety
Grief and Loss
The World Health Organization
American Psychiatric Association
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
American Psychological Association
National Alliance on Mental Illness
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
National Institute for Health Care and Excellence
F. Shapiro & M.S. Forrest (2004) EMDR: The Breakthrough Therapy for Anxiety, Stress and Trauma. New York: BasicBooks.
About EMDR:
https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/
Case Conceptualization:
https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/resources/eye-movement-reprocessing-example
Recent Research:
https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/recent-research-about-emdr/
You can gain an understanding of how your experiences have shaped the world around you. You and I will develop new ways of thinking and utilize EMDR to reprocess and desensitize thoughts, emotions, and memories allowing your mind and body to heal. The outcome is resilience and a cognitive shift- a significant change toward wellness.
After EMDR: There is no longer a feeling of numbness and the fear has significantly decreased. When thinking about the event it is no longer vivid, it’s more distant. Meaning has changed to “I’m not helpless, I am resourceful and I can trust others”
Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) is a gentle yet powerful therapeutic approach that supports emotional healing and well-being. Rather than relying on detailed storytelling, DBR works with the body’s natural, instinctive responses that occur before thoughts or emotions even arise. These early brain-based patterns can shape how we respond to stress, connection, and challenges in the present.
Developed by psychiatrist Frank Corrigan, DBR offers a way to safely access and shift deep-rooted emotional responses. It can help you feel more grounded, settled, and connected—without needing to revisit every past experience. Many people find DBR to be a meaningful and lasting support on their path toward greater ease and clarity.
DBR works deeper—at the level of the brainstem, where your body first senses and orients to threat or disconnection.
Think of it like this:
By gently slowing down and tuning into the body’s earliest responses, DBR helps uncover and release patterns that may have been stuck beneath our awareness. This process supports the brain’s natural ability to heal and restore balance, allowing for lasting change to unfold from the inside out.
A DBR session is somatic body-focused, and slow-paced. It’s not about retelling or reliving traumatic memories—it’s about attuning to the body’s internal sensations and the felt sense of the body’s response. The therapist acts as a guide- helping you notice what your body already knows.
You can expect a process of focusing on subtle physiological shifts in your body. Unlike traditional talk therapy, the DBR process focuses on noticing and responding to your body’s internal cues and sensations. While you may share some aspects of your experience with your therapist, much of the work is done through silent observation of your physiological and emotional states.
By gently slowing down and tuning into the body’s earliest responses, DBR helps uncover and release patterns that may have been stuck beneath our awareness. This process supports the brain’s natural ability to heal and restore balance, allowing for lasting change to unfold from the inside out.