EMDR Therapy in Scarsdale, NY

Serene scene with lit candle and grey worry stones for EMDR therapy in Westchester, NY

You have the power to say, "This is NOT how my story will end."

What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and is a type of therapy that enables you to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress associated with traumatic and negative life experiences. Even though many people assume that they can not recover after these experiences, EMDR has proven to be effective in helping people heal in just a few sessions!

HOW DOES EMDR HELP?

Our brain works hard to protect us even in the face of traumas. When something negative happens to us, our brain tries to organize the event in efforts to understand it BUT sometimes these disturbing memories get stuck in the wrong part of our brain.

Traumatic memories sometimes get stuck in our feelings and in our bodies, rather than the thinking part of our brain. EMDR can help break up memories and shift them to where they belong.

 
 

Can EMDR HELP YOU?

EMDR is a highly effective treatment that can help people struggling with a wide range of issues:

  • Grief and loss

  • Negative self-talk

  • Neglect & abandonment

  • Sexual assault, violence and abuse

  • business performance

a note about trauma & PTSD

While EMDR can help with many different mental health concerns including those listed above, it’s most widely known as a trauma therapy.

It’s important to note that not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD and you do not need to have PTSD to benefit from EMDR. In fact, many people benefit from participating in some counseling sessions using EMDR shortly after a traumatic event before PTSD symptoms might even develop.

However, if you are noticing any of these PTSD symptoms, it is a really good sign that it’s time to consider trauma therapy and EMDR is one of the really effective trauma therapies I offer.

Common Signs of PTSD

While PTSD looks a little different for everyone, here are a few of the classic signs of PTSD:

  • Re-experiencing the trauma. This can include randomly thinking of the traumatic experience, “flashbacks”, where you feel like you’re experiencing it all over again and nightmares.

  • Feeling emotionally numb or avoiding things that might remind you of the traumatic experience or cause you to feel anxious. Common things people with PTSD might avoid include places, people and activities that somehow remind them of what happened.

  • Increased physical arousal including being jumping, sleep problems, trouble concentrating or feeling more irritated/angry than usual.

Have you experienced any of these? Call me to learn how I can help you.

With EMDR therapy in my Westchester clinic, trauma shifts from being the title of your life to simply a chapter in your life.

Looking up at clear, clouded lightbulbs hanging on long strands from the ceiling.  Light is one technique used in EMDR therapies. Your Westchester, NY EMDR therapist will determine the best treatment method.

EMDR has been recognized as an effective treatment for PTSD by the World Health Organization, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, American Psychiatric Association and more organizations.

What Does EMDR Look Like in a counseling Session?

When using EMDR in a counseling session, I will help you identify memories and current beliefs that impact your life in a negative way. I will guide you to activate the thoughts in your brain and feelings in your body. We will focus on past traumas, current stressors, or worries about the future.

While recalling a specific event, you will also undergo bilateral stimulation, which is the core element of EMDR. Bilateral stimulation consists of the use of visual, auditory, or tactile external stimulation occurring in a side-to-side pattern. During EMDR sessions, your brain is really doing all the work for you. The most important thing to note about EMDR is that YOU are in control the whole time.

As your therapist, I will always follow your lead as your emotional safety and comfort is my top priority. A typical EMDR session lasts from 60-90 minutes. The number of sessions needed to process an event depends on the specific problem and the trauma history of the client.

Trauma creates changes you don’t choose.

Healing is about creating changes that you do choose.

Is EMDR safe?

YES!

In order to ensure your safety and emotional comfort I will teach you several techniques such as grounding, relaxation, and mindfulness skills before, during, and after an EMDR session.

I will NOT begin EMDR unless I am sure that you are ready and able to manage the feelings and sensations that may arise for you.

Are you in New york and Ready to start EMDR THERAPY with ME ?

Click here to schedule your consultation with me for EMDR therapy.

Please make sure to review my Insurance & Fees page before requesting a consultation or signing up for the waitlist to work with me so that I’m better able to answer your questions when we connect.

Other WESTCHESTER, NY THERAPY SERVICES

EMDR therapy can truly transform your life and bring you closer to the healing and peace you are looking for. I also provide therapy for adults, vicarious trauma treatment for first responders, and anxiety therapy from my Scarsdale office for in-person and virtual sessions. If you want to explore these options further, let’s connect!