what is emdr?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an integrative psychotherapy approach used to treat many types of psychological problems. It has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. EMDR has been approved by the American Psychiatric Association, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Defense, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, and the World Health Organization as an effective therapy for PTSD and other trauma-related conditions.
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Experiences from the past that have not been fully processed can continue to influence our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in the present.
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EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, alternating sounds, or tactile stimulation) combined with attention to thoughts, emotions, and body sensations to help the brain process upsetting memories in a healthier way. The goal of EMDR therapy is to reduce the emotional intensity connected to distressing experiences and help clients develop more adaptive beliefs about themselves and their lives.
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How EMDR Therapy Can Help
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Many people come to therapy feeling stuck in patterns they do not fully understand. You may find yourself reacting strongly to certain situations, struggling with anxiety, repeating unhealthy relationship patterns, or feeling overwhelmed by memories from the past.
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EMDR therapy helps the brain process experiences that may have become “stuck” in the nervous system. As these memories are reprocessed, many clients notice that the emotional intensity decreases and they are able to think about past events with greater clarity and perspective.
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Clients often seek EMDR therapy for experiences such as:
• childhood trauma or difficult family experiences
• anxiety or panic
• relationship wounds or betrayal
• grief and loss
• distressing memories that continue to feel emotionally charged
• negative beliefs such as “I’m not good enough” or “I’m not safe”
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If you are interested in exploring EMDR therapy, we can discuss whether it may be an appropriate part of your treatment.
More information about EMDR can be found at emdria.org or emdr.com.
More information about EMDR can be found on emdria.org or emdr.com
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Additional Resource Links:
Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™
In some cases, EMDR can be combined with a low dose of ketamine in a model known as Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ (KA-EMDR). This integrative approach combines the structured trauma processing of EMDR therapy with the therapeutic effects of ketamine, a medication that has been shown to increase emotional flexibility and support neuroplasticity in the brain.
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During Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™, a carefully prescribed low (“psycholytic”) dose of ketamine may help clients access memories, emotions, and internal experiences with less defensiveness or emotional overwhelm. This can allow traumatic or distressing experiences to be processed more effectively using the EMDR protocol.
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Unlike high-dose ketamine or psychedelic-style sessions, the KA-EMDR model uses a lower dose that allows clients to remain present, aware, and actively engaged in the therapy process. Ketamine is prescribed and overseen by a licensed medical provider, while EMDR therapy is conducted in session to help guide the reprocessing of difficult memories in a safe and supportive environment.
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Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ was developed by Danielle Ciccone and Michele Topel and is provided by therapists trained through the Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ Institute.
This approach may be helpful for individuals who:
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Feel “stuck” in traditional talk therapy
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Have experienced trauma that feels difficult to access or process
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Struggle with intense emotional defenses or shutdown when exploring painful memories
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Are looking for deeper trauma processing within a structured therapeutic framework
If you are interested in learning whether Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ might be appropriate for your treatment, we can discuss this option during consultation.
For more information about the model and research behind it, see the peer-reviewed article published in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/20008066.2025.2572861