EMDR Therapy: A Proven Online Treatment for PTSD and Trauma
You can’t always predict when anxiety, panic, or intrusive memories will show up. One moment you’re moving through your day, and the next you feel stuck—almost as if the trauma is happening all over again. Many people with PTSD feel confused or ashamed by these reactions, but they’re actually a normal response to unprocessed trauma. When something overwhelming happens, the brain can struggle to file the memory correctly. Instead of storing it as a past event, your mind tucks it away—almost like a “junk drawer” filled with thoughts, images, emotions, and even physical sensations that feel just as vivid as the moment it happened.
The downside to this is that the memories in the junk drawer are stored with the same thoughts, feelings, emotions (and sometimes even the same physical sensations) as when the event originally occurred. Because the incident is not stored correctly, anytime something similar to the memory occurs, it may trigger a resurgence of the old memory (with the same thoughts, feelings, emotions and physical sensations)! Dreams of the trauma are also common. In the extreme form, someone can experience "flashbacks," which is when someone re-experiences a memory and becomes so absorbed, they do not realize that the incident is not actually happening to them.
Is EMDR Therapy Right for You?
The goal of this therapy is to take emotionally charged material and allow your mind to reprocess it into long term memory. It takes the memory from the junk drawer and creates a new place for it. The event is no longer a defining moment - but just something that happened; and is over now! While you will still remember what happened to you, you won't feel the same intensity of emotional distress you did prior to participating in treatment. EMDR can also help people work through strong negative beliefs about themselves that may be driving symptoms of anxiety and depression.
MEET online WITH AN EMDRIA CERTIFIED PSYCHOLOGIST
My name is Cassandra and I’m a certified EMDR therapist. I am also an approved consultant through EMDRIA - which means that I help other EMDR therapists strengthen their EMDR skill sets.
There are so many counselors out there and you don’t want just anyone treating your PTSD symptoms. Some clinicians attempt EMDR after only attending a workshop which can actually create more trauma in clients.
You want someone who has obtained extensive training in EMDR. You want someone who has treated a variety of traumatic experiences and who can respond to whatever happens during trauma processing.
You need someone who can immediately intervene if the treatment is blocked, stuck or distressing. You will be working on things that are sensitive and painful - and you want someone who will help you feel better, not worse.
FAQ’S ABOUT EMDR
CAN I DO EMDR THERAPY WHILE I AM PREGNANT?
In the past, EMDR therapy was not recommended for those who are pregnant. The original thinking was that EMDR can be stressful, and the resulting stress hormones from the experience may not be healthy for the pregnancy.
The current research suggests that EMDR Therapy during pregnancy is “most likely safe.” This research article posits that EMDRY therapy during pregnancy can help prepare those expecting to bond with their child by reprocessing traumas that might otherwise interfere. Another article submits that EMDR can be a part of an integrated treatment plan to assist in treating substance use disorders.
As continued research emerges, hopefully we’ll have a more clear cut answer about the safety of EMDR Therapy during pregnancy. As of now, you will need to weigh the risks and benefits for your particular situation and I’m happy to answer any other questions you might have!
CAN I DO EMDR THERAPY IF I HAVE A SEIZURE HISTORY?
EMDR therapy should be used cautiously with individuals who have experienced seizures. If you have had a seizure in the past, let me know and we will discuss your unique situation and decide if EMDR is the right fit for you.
WHAT ABOUT EMDR FOR ADDICTION?
I’m specialized in EMDR therapy and addiction recovery! EMDR therapy can be risky with those who are in early recovery from substance abuse. While it is often used in residential settings, these settings also have high structure with competent staff available to intervene at all times (particularly on evenings and weekends). If attending EMDR therapy in early recovery, I recommend having a strong sober support network in place between sessions to help if needed.
If you’re curious, you can visit my addiction treatment and recovery hub. It’s geared toward EMDR clinicians, but you might find it of interest.