While doing deep inner work, it is possible to bump up against “stuck” emotional trauma. Using EMDR, we can process this material, to allow us to open to our inner states without freezing.

When a traumatic or very negative event occurs (early childhood relational trauma or abuse, car accidents, natural disasters, etc.), information processing may be incomplete. If the central nervous system is overwhelmed in the moment, it automatically defends itself by repressing intense emotions.  If we are not able to process this material later, or work through it in a safe environment, this “unfinished business” can stay with us for years or a lifetime.  Old memories can be triggered and relived over and over, which can be intensely painful, confusing and exhausting.  We may become depressed or hopeless.

EMDR’s effectiveness is based on the brain’s ability to relearn and update.  We call this “adaptive processing” and it is going on constantly in your life, though you may not be aware of it.  EMDR simply facilitates this natural healing process.

Flash Technique

The Flash Technique (FT) is a recently developed therapeutic intervention for reducing the disturbance associated with traumatic or other distressing memories. It can be used in conjunction with EMDR to process traumatic memories or felt sensations in the body.

Unlike many conventional trauma therapy interventions, FT is a minimally intrusive option that does not require the client to consciously engage with the traumatic memory. This allows the client to process traumatic memories without feeling distress.