EMDR Therapy

Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based treatment recognized by major health organizations like the World Health Organization and the American Psychiatric Association as an effective therapy for trauma. More and more people are becoming aware of EMDR and are enjoying the profound, rapid alleviation of trauma with this modality.

EMDR involves stimulating both sides of the brain while reflecting on distressing experiences, enabling the brain’s plasticity to reduce the stress response. Numerous studies have confirmed its effectiveness in treating PTSD and other painful life experiences. A meta-analysis in the 2024 Journal of Traumatic Stress found EMDR was effective in reducing PTSD symptoms, with remission rates ranging from 36 to over 90 percent.

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

Reprocessing takes place using bilateral stimulation, which taps into both sides of the brain’s ability to activate the parasympathetic system’s calming effects to soothe the sympathetic system’s overactive response. This part of EMDR therapy is similar to what happens during normal sleep’s rapid eye movement phase.

EMDR is phase-based and includes:

• History taking and an assessment of discomfort.
• Desensitizing the negative memory, which involves bilateral stimulation of both sides of the brain. This can be done with eye movements, taping on both sides of the body (like on the shoulders or arms), or with a light bar or other visual cues.
• Installation of a more positive cognition in its place.
• A body scan where the client assesses where they experience sensation.
• Closure and re-evaluation.

By turning the body’s instinctive abilities to heal over to our own brain, we can rapidly process and reduce negative symptoms. During EMDR counseling, the brain often ‘clears’ other associated memories after focusing on the foundational points of when things went wrong or became distressing.

The decrease in sensitivity around the trauma is what usually draws people to find an EMDR counselor. However, the benefits in other aspects of life, like emotional regulation, more emotional clarity, and enhanced personal relationships, are often gained as a byproduct, not to mention the sense of closure around the old trauma.

EMDR With Marian Redsun

I am so delighted to share my EMDR practice with you, giving you a chance to experience the remarkable results that have been achieved from this modality. You’ve struggled for too long from the effects of your experiences, and there’s nothing to lose, but so much to gain.

I was trained in this therapy model in 2016 by an EMDRIA (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association) approved trainer. I love that this model allows the therapist to ‘get out of the way’ and facilitate their client’s brain’s own ability to heal. The body heals trauma involuntarily in other ways; why not heal from psychological trauma?

I was highly impressed, learning how EMDR is endorsed for the treatment of PTSD from the US Department of Veterans Affairs and others with years of an effective track record. However, I wasn’t completely convinced of the power of this treatment until I had several positive experiences with others who hadn’t had results in traditional ways. It’s very convincing to watch in action, and you can’t deny the results.

Trauma is not just about experiencing violence like gunshots, assaults, or combat. Emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, violence, and natural disasters are all traumatic. I’ve treated those challenges and recurring nightmares, dog bites, hurricanes, and abandonment effectively with EMDR. Even unresolved grief and medical trauma can be addressed successfully with EMDR.

EMDR therapy is a different, research-based approach that has been a ‘game changer’ with my clients. You’ve given up too much peace and good stuff to wait any longer, and the life ahead is meant to be enjoyed.