AT THE ROOTED WAY, we are committed to providing our community with evidence-based quality care. We’re constantly making attempts to enhance our skills so that we can make a bigger impact on those who we treat.
In an attempt to bring in new ways to support you, we have added EMDR therapy to our ever-growing list of ways we can enhance your healing journey.
WHAT IS EMDR THERAPY?
There has been a lot of hype about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy - and for good reason. Just like other types of treatment, EMDR therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach. It is designed to help individuals process and heal from distressing life experiences, particularly trauma. It is widely used to treat symptoms related to anxiety, panic, depression, fears, and post-traumatic stress.
HOW DOES EMDR THERAPY WORK?
EMDR therapy helps people by targeting the way distressing memories are stored in the brain. When a person experiences trauma, the memory can become “stuck,” along with the original emotions, beliefs, thoughts, and physical sensations. This can lead to ongoing triggers, negative self-beliefs, and emotional distress. EMDR therapy supports the brain in reprocessing these memories so they become more adaptive, reducing their intensity, and allowing individuals to respond to present-day situations with greater ease and clarity.
The Technical Stuff: The therapy works through a structured, eight-phase approach that includes history-taking, preparation, and reprocessing. During reprocessing, the client briefly focuses on a distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones). This process is believed to facilitate communication between different parts of the brain, similar to what occurs during REM sleep, allowing the memory to be integrated in a healthier way without the same emotional charge.
EMDR RESEARCH
EMDR therapy is supported by extensive research and is recognized as an effective treatment by organizations such as the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization. Studies have shown that EMDR therapy can lead to significant symptom reduction in fewer sessions compared to some traditional talk therapies, particularly for trauma-related conditions.
WHY WE CHOSE EMDR THERAPY
At our holistic practice, EMDR therapy aligns naturally with our whole-person approach to care. It acknowledges the interconnectedness of mind, body, and nervous system, addressing not just thoughts but also emotional and physiological responses. Integrating EMDR therapy alongside other holistic supports and modalities of practice—such as mindfulness, movement, and nutrition—allows for deeper healing by meeting clients where they are and supporting multiple pathways to wellness.
PUBLIC VOICES, PERSONAL HEALING
EMDR therapy has continued to gain attention in pop culture as public figures openly share how it has supported their healing journeys.
Celebrities such as Prince Harry, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Lil’ Jon, and Sandra Bullock have spoken about utilizing EMDR to process trauma, anxiety, grief, and overwhelming life experiences.
As more individuals in the public eye normalize conversations surrounding mental health treatment, it helps reduce stigma and reminds others that seeking support and healing is both valid and empowering.
DOES EMDR THERAPY SOUND RIGHT FOR YOU?
If you'd like a clinician who is trained in EMDR, you can choose from any of the following clinicians who want to support you in your journey.
Erica Panyi
Don't miss an opportunity to do something different for your health.
If you're interested in connecting with a therapist who can provide you with EMDR therapy, you can request an appointment here or contact us at 412.367.0575.