EMDR Therapy

When understanding it isn't enough

For children, teens and adults | Amherst, NH

What is EMDR?

Sometimes you know exactly why something still hurts, and knowing doesn't make it hurt less. EMDR helps the brain finish processing experiences that feel stuck, so they lose their hold on how you feel and react today.

​

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy for trauma and distressing life experiences. The World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association both recognize it as an effective treatment for PTSD.

​

When something overwhelming happens, the memory can get stored with the same emotions, body sensations and beliefs it had at the time. In EMDR, you briefly bring a memory to mind while following bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye movements, tapping or tones. This helps the brain reprocess the memory so it can be remembered without the same charge. You don't have to describe every detail of what happened.

​

Who EMDR can help

EMDR is best known for trauma, but it can help with any experience that still feels stuck, including:

• Single traumatic events, like an accident, medical experience or loss

• Ongoing or childhood trauma, including difficult family experiences

• Anxiety, panic and phobias in kids, teens and adults

• Negative beliefs that won't budge ("I'm not enough," "It was my fault")

• Grief, bullying, and painful relationship or school experiences

• Performance and test anxiety

​

What sessions are like

EMDR follows a structured, step-by-step approach, and it never starts with the hardest memory. First we get to know you and your goals. Next you learn calming and grounding skills, so you have tools to settle your nervous system before any reprocessing begins. Then you briefly focus on a target memory while following bilateral stimulation, and you stay in control and can pause at any time. Every session ends with you grounded and settled. Many people notice changes within a few reprocessing sessions; complex or long-standing trauma usually takes longer.

​

Your EMDR clinician: Kate Ledoux, MA, LCMHC, CIMHP

Kate is Summit's founder and works with children, teens and adults, with a special interest in helping kids and teens with high levels of anxiety and panic. She completed her full EMDR training through the EMDR Institute, the training program founded by EMDR's developer, Dr. Francine Shapiro, and EMDR is a core part of her practice. Already have a therapist you love? You're welcome to see Kate for EMDR only. With your permission, she'll coordinate with your therapist so your care stays connected.