Skip to main content

Somatic EDMR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) create link to EMDR is a widely researched and effective psychotherapy approach used to help people recover from trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and related symptoms. EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess traumatic memories, making them less distressing.

The process involves briefly focusing on a trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation, typically through side-to-side eye movements.

The brain is divided into two hemispheres:

  • The left side, responsible for logical thinking
  • The right side, responsible for creative thinking

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to activate both hemispheres and calm the brain’s emotional center.

What Is Somatic EMDR?

Somatic EMDR combines traditional EMDR protocol with somatic (body-based) therapy. This integrated approach supports your cognitive, emotional, and nervous systems in resolving distressing events.

It specifically targets how trauma is stored in the body and helps regulate the nervous system’s response.

During a session, you are guided into body-based awareness, grounding, and connection with your felt sense, which enhances emotional processing.

The integration of Parts Work and Applied Polyvagal Theory supports this process further.

Why Somatic EMDR?

A re-connection with your body: Unlike talk therapy alone, Somatic EMDR addresses trauma on multiple levels—mental, emotional, and physical. You often experience faster and deeper relief by including the body in the healing process.

For those who feel disconnected from their bodies or experience physical symptoms of trauma, Somatic EMDR offers a more holistic path. You are invited to reconnect with your body through movement, sensations, and metaphor, all of which help restore a sense of control and safety. When the therapist and you establish a strong connection, their nervous systems begin to
co-regulate.

This sense of connection can ease the body into a state of calm.

Benefits of EMDR Therapy

EMDR has been shown to help both children and adults with a range of concerns, including:

  • PTSD and C-PTSD
  • Anxiety and panic attacks
  • Depression and bipolar disorder
  • Phobias and dissociative disorders
  • Sexual assault
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Chronic illness
  • Eating disorders
  • Abuse

The Origins of EMDR

EMDR was developed in 1989 by psychologist Francine Shapiro. She discovered that traumatic memories are stored differently in the brain. In order for an experience to be fully integrated into your consciousness and for healing to occur, these memories must be reprocessed through specific stages so they no longer feel separate or disruptive, even years later.

The EMDR Protocol

EMDR therapy follows an eight-phase approach that addresses the past, present, and future. During the session, you focus on a targeted traumatic memory while receiving bilateral stimulation, typically through eye movements or tapping.

The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy

1. History Taking – We begin by discussing your goals and trauma history.

2. Preparation – We focus on building safety and readiness through grounding and resourcing techniques.

3. Assessment – We identify a specific memory or target related to your current symptoms.

4. Desensitization – Bilateral stimulation helps reduce the emotional intensity of the target.

5. Installation – Positive beliefs or sensations that arise are reinforced through further bilateral stimulation.

6. Body Scan – We check for any remaining physical tension or emotional disturbance.

7. Closure – We use grounding techniques to complete the session and ensure emotional stability.

8. Re-evaluation – We review the previous session’s results and identify any new targets for processing.

For more information on the EMDR protocol, please consult the EMDR International Association website.

Important Note: You are always in control during a session. You may pause or stop the process at any time. We’ll continue with eye movements or tapping only until the memory feels less disturbing to you.

For more information on the EMDR protocol, please consult the EMDR International Association website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a session?

Each session lasts 60 minutes.

What happens during a Somatic EMDR session?

You’ll be guided through the EMDR protocol, integrated with somatic (body-based) techniques. This includes bilateral stimulation (such as side-to-side eye movements or tapping on both shoulders) combined with body awareness practices to help process trauma or shift limiting beliefs.