Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy in Seattle, WA
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of interactive therapy designed to help people heal from distressing or traumatic events.
When you undergo EMDR, you access memories of a trauma event in very specific ways. Combined with eye movements and guided instructions, accessing those memories helps you reprocess what you remember from the distressing event.
That reprocessing helps “repair” the mental injury from that memory. Remembering what happened to you will no longer feel like reliving it, and the related feelings will be much more manageable.
How is EMDR different from traditional therapy?
EMDR can look very different from traditional talk therapy. I work to integrate talk therapy processing and EMDR together. It is considered the “gold standard” treatment for traumatic episodes and PTSD. Evidence shows it is also effective in the treatment of: phobias, philias, addiction, grief and loss, attachment disorders, depression, anxiety, etc.
Note: Regan is the only clinician certified to provide EMDR to clients.
Bilateral Stimulation (BLS)
Bilateral stimulation (BLS) refers to the use of a stimulus that is presented to both sides of the body.
Bilateral stimulation is thought to work in EMDR by activating both sides of the brain which allows for the processing of memories, emotions, and incidents that are stuck in the nervous system. When we experience trauma, our brains can get "stuck" on that event and it can feel like we're reliving it over and over again. Bilateral stimulation is thought to help "unstick" those memories so that they can be processed and resolved in a more adaptive way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this available for couples therapy?
EMDR is currently only offered for individual therapy and with the provider, Regan Rowell.
Will I have to relive my trauma by doing EMDR?
EMDR can be activating and will likely bring up aspects of your trauma or the distressing event. With this in mind, we take care to build a strong therapeutic rapport, cultivate safety, and provide resources and tools to assist you during activation outside of the therapy space before beginning the desensitization and reprocessing phase of treatment.
Is EMDR Only for PTSD?
While it is considered the “gold standard” for PTSD treatment, EMDR can be utilized for a variety of concerns like anxiety, depression, phobias, grief and loss, or any distressing event resulting in activation or triggers.
Is EMDR used for sex therapy?
Yes! Regan’s specialized training of both EMDR and Sex Therapy intertwine to specifically help clients who have experienced sexual trauma.
What is the rate for a session?
EMDR sessions with Regan are $185 per 50-minute session. Longer, 80-minute sessions are available to aid in more desensitization and reprocessing time at an additional cost. Please refer to the Rates page for more information.
How Long Does EMDR Therapy Take?
There is no one-size-fits all for EMDR therapy and treatment often depends on the number of traumatic or distressing events the client is wanting to target.