What is EMDR?

EMDR is an evidence-based mind-body treatment for trauma.  EMDR is integrated into a treatment plan that includes taking a history, establishing client safety and strengths, and allows for reprocessing of traumatic memories.  EMDR can be used to treat a variety or trauma ranging from Big "T" traumas to small 't" traumas.  Trauma's are often 'frozen in time' and remembering traumas can bring up the same thoughts, feelings and sensory experiences as you may have experienced in the initial trauma.  Such memories have a lasting negative impact in the way we see the world and interact with others.

EMDR seems to have an impact on the way the brain processes information.  Following a successful EMDR session, clients no longer relive the memories, images and feelings when the event is brought to mind.  You still remember what happened, but it is less upsetting.  EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs naturally during sleep or REM.  EMDR is a therapy that helps clients see disturbing memories/material in a less distressing way.

EMDR/perinatal/birth-trauma

EMDR is an evidence-based mind-body treatment for trauma, including trauma in pregnancy, postpartum and birth.  It can also be a tool for mothers that have experienced miscarriage, infant loss, unexpected outcomes and fetal anomalies.  EMDR id designed to reduce trauma-related stress, anxiety and depression symptoms associated with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD) and to improve overall mental health functioning.  

Many woman have births that weren't ideal, felt out-of-control and may have ultimately led to c-section or worse outcome.  As a woman approaches a subsequent birth, they may notice more intrusive thoughts surrounding their previous birth and anxiety rooted in a deep fear that they will have the same less-than ideal(insert own word) birth.  EMDR is a treatment option to reprocess the specific memory and increase your own agency and power in an upcoming birth.  It can also be included in a treatment plan to strengthen a mothers own resources about an upcoming birth including positive beliefs that she will get the support she needs and reinforce whatever birth practice she chooses to use.