EMDR — Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing — is one of the most extensively researched and clinically validated treatments for trauma available today. A 2013 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found it ranks alongside traditional psychotherapies and outperforms medications in treating post-traumatic stress disorder.
Debra Kaplan is a certified EMDR therapist and integrates advanced EMDR protocols into her work with trauma, addiction, dissociation, and emotional dysregulation. She has trained with leading EMDR clinicians and remains current on advances in EMDR theory and practice.
What EMDR treats
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD
- Childhood trauma, neglect, and abuse
- Compulsive behaviors
- Betrayal trauma following sexual or financial infidelity
- Trauma underlying sex addiction and compulsive behavior
- Dissociative symptoms and emotional dysregulation
- Attachment wounds and family of origin trauma
How EMDR works
EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess traumatic memories in a safe setting that have become stuck. In a session the client briefly focuses on a traumatic memory while simultaneously focusing on an external bilateral stimulus provided by the therapist. The process is repeated until the disturbance is resolved or no longer triggers an intense emotional response. As a result the client experiences a more balanced perspective and relief from the distressing memory.
Unlike talk therapy, EMDR does not require the client to describe the trauma in detail or complete homework between sessions. Many clients experience significant relief in fewer sessions than traditional therapy.
Telehealth EMDR sessions available in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, Ohio, and Utah. In-person sessions in Tucson, AZ.
