EMDR Therapy in Portland, Oregon
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an evidence-based treatment designed to help individuals process traumatic memories and reduce the emotional distress attached to them.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of psychotherapy that provides deep healing.
At Abri Psychotherapy, we’re dedicated to helping you heal and process trauma through personalized EMDR therapy in Portland, Oregon. Our one-on-one sessions provide a safe, confidential space where you can explore distressing memories without fear of judgment. EMDR therapy offers the opportunity to understand and reprocess the emotional impact of traumatic experiences, allowing you to reduce their hold on your daily life. With a structured, evidence-based approach, we work together to help you build resilience, shift negative beliefs, and improve your overall well-being. EMDR therapy can help with:
Processing Traumatic Memories
Reprocess distressing memories, reducing their emotional intensity and impact on daily life.
Addressing Anxieties and Phobias
Help reduce anxiety and fears by reprocessing the underlying causes and shifting negative thought patterns.
Reducing PTSD Symptoms
Alleviate symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened anxiety associated with trauma.
Improving Self Esteem
Shift negative beliefs tied to past experiences, fostering a more positive self-image and increased confidence.
What is EMDR Therapy?
During EMDR therapy, the therapist guides the client to recall a traumatic memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, typically in the form of guided eye movements, but sometimes through taps or auditory tones. The theory behind this process is that bilateral stimulation helps the brain reprocess the traumatic memory, allowing the person to reduce the emotional intensity and negative associations tied to it.
EMDR is structured into eight phases:
History-taking – The therapist gathers a detailed background of the client and identifies specific memories or incidents to target.
Assessment – The specific memory is identified, and the client is asked to focus on it along with any associated negative beliefs or physical sensations.
Installation – Positive beliefs or associations are reinforced, replacing negative ones.
Closure – The therapist ensures the client is stable and able to return to their daily life after the session.
Preparation – The therapist explains EMDR and ensures the client has sufficient coping mechanisms in place to manage distress.
Desensitization – The client recalls the traumatic memory while undergoing bilateral stimulation, working to reduce emotional distress.
Body scan – The therapist asks the client to focus on their body sensations, checking for any lingering physical tension or distress.
Reevaluation – In subsequent sessions, progress is reviewed and new memories may be addressed.
Increase Openness and Receptivity. Create A Life Worth Sharing. Start EMDR Therapy.
Getting started is simple.
1. Fill out the form.
Take the first step toward a more flexible and connected life. Share your needs with us through our quick form—it's simple and confidential.
2. Talk to our intake team.
Book a consultation to connect with one of our specialists and explore how we can best support your journey.
3. Begin your path to openness and growth.
Dive into therapy with Abri and start building the life you’ve been striving for, one step at a time.
