What do I need to do to engage in EMDR the right way?

The best thing you can do is trust where your mind takes you, listen to your body and don't try to control or direct where your mind goes during reprocessing.Also, if ever you don't feel connected to your mind or body (dissociating) or you simply just want to stop, say so. We can stop at any time.

Is EMDR somatic therapy?

In general, no EMDR is not technically somatic therapy. However, I am trained in Somatic Attachment Focused EMDR that does incorporate different somatic exercises and practices throughout the phases of EMDR. This ensures that we're regularly checking in with your body and processing what is stuck in your body.

No, EMDR is not hypnosis. You will be conscious, aware of what you're thinking and doing and you can ask that we stop at any time.

What if I don't want to share with my therapist some of the memories or thoughts that come up?

That is okay. It is completely up to you what you share with your therapist. You may be asked to mark certain memories with something that will allow you to come back to it, like "May 2024" or something similar. Overall, you still have the ability to keep things private if you would like.

EMDR Therapy in Arvada, Colorado

You might find yourself on this page because someone suggested that it could be a good idea to try EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). What that might actually mean in your day-to-day life is that you have this thing that keeps popping up again and again. It might be a persistent fear, a knee-jerk response, a habit without explanation or a painful phrase that plays over and over in your mind. You feel it holding you back from the life and feelings you want to experience.

This pattern might keep you from:

Showing up for yourself or others in your relationships
Trying new things
Believing in yourself
Being able to relax
Starting new relationships
Committing

You may have tried all sorts of things to change these habits that get in your way. Different types of therapy, journals, affirmations, groups and so forth. There is nothing wrong with those methods, but if they don't work for you, it might be time to pivot.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) can help you change those habits and thoughts that feel like they have deep, deep roots. We will use structure, somatic awareness and emotional attunement to help you access and adapt what has felt stuck within you. This work can allow you to connect with yourself and others in new way.

Change is possible. To get started use the button below to schedule your free 20 minute phone consult.

Why Can't I Stop Doing This?

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Is EMDR Just For Trauma?

EMDR can help with trauma and it can also help with any type of issue that feels stuck and without closure. This might include:

Painful past relationships
Regrettable memories
Difficult break-ups
Moments that were lacking nurturance and safety

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What Is EMDR Therapy Like?

When engaging in EMDR, you will be revisiting memories and thoughts while paying attention to bilateral stimulation. In EMDR bilateral stimulation can be back and forth tapping, following something with your eyes that is moving back and forth, listening to a tone in one ear and then the next or anything similar. Revisiting past hurts while following the bilateral stimulation allows you to process through the hurts, so that you no longer become triggered by the original pain. It also allows you to begin to associate healthier and more helpful thinking when revisiting those memories.

If you’re cringing at the thought of revisiting these memories, I understand. Thankfully, you do not start EMDR by immediately jumping into reprocessing. The reprocessing mentioned does not begin until phase 4 of the 8 phases. In the beginning phases (phases 1&2), I will be gathering information about your strengths and struggles and helping you build skills that will help you regulate when you become overwhelmed. Your EMDR phases can go as slowly as you need and you can stop at any time. You also do not need to share every detail of your experiences with me, the most important thing is that you recall the memories in your mind while engaging in the bilateral stimulation.

For more information about EMDR and its 8 Phases click here.

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What Is Somatic Attachment Focused EMDR?

I am trained in the Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR (S.A.F.E) model of EMDR through the Personal Transformation Institute. The S.A.F.E. model integrates somatic (what is happening in the body) awareness and attachment (how you have learned to give and receive love) throughout the EMDR phases. This is done by gathering information about how the behaviors that we are targeting are impacting your relationships and what needs are beneath those behaviors. You will also be asked to check in with what you are feeling in your body throughout the process. You will also be given tools and techniques to process what you are experiencing in your body. This part of the process goes beyond how talk therapy techniques generally approach therapy.

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EMDR Intensives

If you are interested in EMDR, but want to make more progress with your concerns in a shorter amount of time, an EMDR intensive could be right for you. An EMDR intensive allows you to spend the day understanding yourself and your behaviors better as well as working working through your past negative experiences. This work would normally be done over several months, but a therapy intensive accelerates the process. If you think an EMDR intensive could be right for you, use the Schedule Now button below to schedule your free consult. In your consult we will discuss what you're wanting to work on and which approach might be best for you. For information on fees, click here.

What Can I Expect In An Intensive?

Meeting in-person at my office in Arvada from 9a-4pm on a Friday of your choosing. You will have an hour for lunch on your own.
Complimentary snacks and beverages will be provided for you at my practice.
Being able to practice individual coping skills in real-time as you feel emotionally elevated.
Leaving the Intensive with coping skills based tools, your own journal, pdf’s and lists of resources for future support

What Can I Expect In The EMDR Intensive Material?

Before Your Intensive:

You will receive a workbook to complete before your intensive day
Your workbook will prepare you for your intensive day and allow me to learn important information about your unique experiences and needs
You will return your workbook to me before your 90 minute EMDR intensive intake session
Your 90 minute intake session with take place prior to your EMDR intensive day

In The First Half of The Day We Will Cover:

Setting goals for the day
Learn and practice coping skills that will support you with your reprocessing
Learn about the Window of Tolerance
Decide on EMDR mechanics
Begin reprocessing

Then We Break for Lunch

In The Second Half of the Day We Will Cover:

We will mostly be reprocessing memories that your brain has identified as less than nurturing or even traumatic
Towards the end of the day we will review our goals from the treatment plan, check in on how you feel and what resources you may need following the intensive and decide if future intensives or sessions would be helpful
You will choose your therapeutic gift to take home

After The Intensive: