Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing

What is EMDR?

EMDR is a structured therapeutic approach that is research and evidence-based that guides the brain in revisiting difficult memories so they can be processed in a way that feels less overwhelming and more manageable. It uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds, to activate the brain’s natural ability to heal from past trauma. By reprocessing these memories, EMDR helps individuals shift negative emotions, beliefs, and sensations toward a more adaptive and balanced perspective, promoting emotional relief and resilience.

What is different about EMDR than talk therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) focuses on an client’s present concerns. Rather than relying on talk therapy, EMDR uses eye movements and other forms of stimulation to activate the brain’s natural ability to process and heal. This leads to real emotional relief and genuine feeling of it.

• EMDR focuses on the brain’s natural ability to learn, adapt, and evolve. This process, known as Adaptive Information Processing (AIP), continuously updates our memory networks preserving what’s valuable from past experiences while releasing what is no longer needed. 

• However, distressing events can become emotionally “stuck,” preventing this adaptive learning. These unresolved memories remain disconnected from more positive, resilient experiences. When triggered in the present, they can distort our perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors. For example, after a difficult childhood where love was conditional, receiving constructive feedback at work might trigger overwhelming feelings of failure or rejection. Even though we rationally understand the feedback is meant to help, the emotional imprint from the past makes it feel like a personal attack.

• EMDR identifies and helps bridge these disconnected memory networks by using bilateral stimulation including such as eye movements or alternating tapping to activate the brain’s adaptive learning system. This process integrates past experiences in a healthier way, allowing us to retain what is helpful and release outdated held emotions, sensations, and beliefs. As a result, we don’t just know we are worthy we truly feel it.

How was EMDR developed?

Dr. Francine Shapiro, through her Ph.D. research and other academic settings, explored the connection between eye positioning, movements, and memory retrieval. She integrated elements of various psychotherapies with eye movement techniques to create a structured approach for processing distressing memories. Shapiro theorized that rapid eye movements mimic the brain’s natural processing during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, facilitating emotional healing. She believed these movements activate the brain’s Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) system, allowing negative memory networks to be updated with healthier, more adaptive responses and beliefs.

What can I expect in an EMDR session?

In an EMDR session, your therapist will guide you through a structured process to help you reprocess distressing memories. 1) You'll start by discussing your concerns and identifying target memories for treatment. You will be guided through specific questions to access the distressing experience and the desired adaptive resolution. 2) Using bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds; your brain will be encouraged to process the memory in a way that reduces its emotional intensity. Rapid eye movements (or other forms of bilateral stimulation) will then be applied Eye movement sets will alternate with brief client reflections on their emerging thoughts, emotions, or sensations. 3) Throughout the process, the client is encouraged to free associate, allowing the brain to naturally process the experience. You’ll briefly share what comes up, while your therapist prepares you ahead of time how to stay grounded and focused. 4) EMDR processing continues until the past experience is reprocessed and integrated into a healthier, present-day perspective. 5) Over the course of the session, distressing memories become less overwhelming, allowing you to develop a more adaptive and balanced perspective. For longstanding issues, multiple sessions may be needed to achieve full resolution.

What our EMDR Therapy offers?

EMDR therapy approach helps individuals address the impact of trauma, including symptoms such as, emotional dysregulation, hyper-arousal, anxiety, depression, triggering intense emotions or physical reactions. By engaging in EMDR, clients have reported improvements, including increased emotional self-regulation, more stable emotional experience, reduced triggers and intrusive memories, greater sense of well-being and inner peace, and renewed ability to engage with life and relationships. We understand that trauma is urgent and often requires more than just traditional weekly one-hour sessions. Trauma Recovery Institute is committed to offering a solution that provides a trauma-informed approach of care needed to make real progress.

What Other Issues Can EMDR Help Treat?

EMDR can address a wide range of trauma-related symptoms, including:

• Anxiety, anger, and irritability

• Depression and hopelessness

• Flashbacks and nightmares

• Grief from unresolved trauma

• Hyper-vigilance and hyperarousal

• Negative self-perception

• Somatic symptoms, such as tension

Why Choose Trauma Recovery Institute?

At Trauma Recovery Institute, we take a trauma-recovery approach, focused on helping individuals heal from past traumatic experiences through the evidence-based, proven therapy Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy model. Clients who engage in this approach consistently report positive and lasting results. EMDR is grounded in research and have been shown to effectively resolve post traumatic stress disorder. Dr. Curtis at Trauma Recovery Institute offers EMDR Therapy designed to accelerate healing by offering a more concentrated experience.

When considering therapeutic options, it is important to choose an approach that is right for your unique situation. Trauma Recovery Institute may be the right choice if you have been struggling to make meaningful progress with traditional one-hour weekly therapy. During a free coaching call, we will discuss your needs, answer any questions, and help determine if intensive trauma-recovery therapy is the best fit for you. We are committed to ensuring that this approach is the right step for you, and we will not recommend it unless it is the appropriate time and treatment for your needs. Here are some reasons to consider Trauma Recovery Institute:

• Expertise: Dr. Yvette Curtis, PsyD has been trained by leading authorities in EMDR therapy and is informed by research-backed models of trauma treatment, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Flash Technique, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

• Experienced Therapists: Dr. Curtis is a trained, skilled therapist for over 14 years, and certified and approved consultant in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing.

• Proven Results: Our clients consistently report positive, lasting outcomes after engaging in EMDR therapy.

About Our Therapists

Dr. Curtis is highly trained in specialized trauma therapies, with a focus on trauma recovery that is safe, effective, and personalized. Dr. Curtis has 16+ years experience as a mental health clinician. She is well-versed in guiding individuals through the trauma recovery process. Dr. Curtis has experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds and is skilled in adapting therapy to suit the unique needs of each individual. Dr. Curtis offers Intensive EMDR Therapy and mini-intensive therapy session. Dr. Curtis’ daily therapy rate is $2,490*.

*Special discounted rate for pre-paid services.  Regular rates for therapist are as follows: Yvette Curtis, $2,790 per day.

Client Testimonials:

• “Since working together, I feel more present and at peace. The constant noise in my mind has quieted, and I no longer experience the symptoms I once did. The internal pressure has settled, and I’m reacting differently; calmer and more grounded. I truly feel healed from my trauma and can finally rest in life.” - Intensive Therapy client

Locations

Discuss with Dr. Curtis about in-person option availability and virtual telehealth in Alaska where appropriate.

Take the Next Step

Ready to explore this EMDR healing opportunity? We invite you to book a free 60-minute consultation call. During this call, we will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and help determine if EMDR therapy is right for you.