When a loss still feels painfully present.
EMDR FOR TRAUMATIC GRIEF
Some experiences surrounding a loss can remain intensely distressing long after the moment has passed. EMDR therapy can help the brain process distressing memories, images, beliefs, emotions, and body sensations connected to traumatic or overwhelming experiences.
EMDR therapy and EMDR intensives for adults in Georgia.
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a structured psychotherapy approach designed to help people process distressing experiences that continue to feel emotionally, physically, or psychologically present.
EMDR is guided by the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which proposes that some highly distressing experiences may not be fully integrated with other memory networks. When something in the present activates those memories, the emotions, beliefs, images, or body sensations connected to the original experience may also become activated.
During EMDR therapy, the client briefly attends to aspects of a distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or alternating taps. Treatment follows a structured eight-phase protocol and is adapted to the individual client.
EMDR is more than eye movements. Assessment, preparation, stabilization, processing, and reevaluation are all important parts of treatment.
GRIEF AND TRAUMATIC MEMORY
Sometimes the way someone died becomes difficult to separate from the grief of losing them.
Grief and trauma are not the same experience, and not every loss requires trauma treatment. But some deaths and life-altering losses involve circumstances that leave particularly distressing memories, images, beliefs, or reactions.
Sudden or Unexpected Death
When there was little or no opportunity to prepare for what happened.
Violent or Traumatic Death
Including homicide, suicide, accidents, or other circumstances surrounding a distressing death.
Destressing Medical Experiences
Frightening or painful memories connected to illness, hospitalization, caregiving, medical crises, or the circumstances surrounding a death.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss
When miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss includes distressing memories or experiences that continue to feel present.
EMDR may be considered when aspects of the experience continue to produce significant distress or interfere with the natural process of adapting to the loss.
EMDR IN GRIEF TREATMENT
The goal isn’t to erase the grief.
EMDR does not erase grief, remove the significance of the person or experience, or require you to “move on.”
When EMDR is appropriate, treatment can focus on experiences that may be complicating the grieving process while making space for the grief and continuing bond that remain.
PROCESSING DISTRESSING MEMORIES
Work with memories, images, or moments surrounding the loss that continue to evoke intense distress.
ADDRESS BELIEFS & TRIGGERS
Explore painful beliefs such as guilt, responsibility, helplessness, or lack of safety and the present-day situations that activate them.
SUPPORT ADAPTATION
Help reduce the intensity attached to traumatic aspects of the experience so there is greater capacity to remember, grieve, connect, and adapt.
THE EMDR PROCESS
EMDR is a structured process—not just eye movements.
EMDR therapy follows an eight-phase treatment model. The process begins with understanding your history, identifying treatment goals, and preparing you for memory processing.
When appropriate, specific memories and their associated images, beliefs, emotions, and body sensations may become targets for reprocessing using bilateral stimulation.
Throughout treatment, progress is assessed and previously processed material is reevaluated. The pace and structure of EMDR are individualized based on your history, needs, readiness, and treatment goals.
Two ways to engage in EMDR therapy.
EMDR WITHIN REGULAR THERAPY
EMDR may be incorporated into ongoing psychotherapy sessions when clinically appropriate.
This format allows treatment to unfold over time alongside other therapeutic work.
EMDR INTENSIVES
EMDR intensives provide an extended block of therapeutic time for clients who may benefit from more focused treatment than a traditional therapy hour allows.
Intensives include individualized preparation and treatment planning and may be appropriate for specific treatment goals.
INDIVIDUALIZED TREATMENT
EMDR isn’t automatically the right approach for every person or every loss.
Before beginning EMDR processing, we will consider your current needs, treatment goals, history, available supports, and readiness for this type of work. Some clients may begin EMDR relatively early in treatment, while others may benefit from additional preparation, stabilization, or another therapeutic approach first. Treatment recommendations are individualized rather than based on a one-size-fits-all timeline.
Wondering whether EMDR may be appropriate for you?
Request an appointment to explore your concerns, treatment goals, and whether EMDR may be an appropriate part of your care.
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