EMDR Therapy in Portland, Maine

EMDR — Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing — is a structured psychotherapy in which you briefly recall a distressing memory while following bilateral stimulation, typically guided eye movements. It is most often used in the treatment of trauma and PTSD.

Less than you might expect. EMDR doesn't require describing the event in detail the way some talk therapies do — your therapist needs enough to guide the work, and you stay in control of what you share.

It varies with the history being worked through — single-incident experiences generally involve fewer sessions than long-standing patterns. Your therapist will discuss a realistic arc after the preparation phase rather than promising a number up front.

PTSD and trauma are its most established uses. Clinicians also apply it to related concerns; whether it fits your situation is part of the first evaluation.

Preparation comes first — you and your therapist build grounding skills before any processing begins, sessions end with time to settle, and the pace is yours. If more support is needed, psychiatry and our structured day programs are in the same practice.

Some clinicians offer EMDR by telehealth using adapted bilateral stimulation; many prefer in-person for processing sessions. Availability depends on the therapist — call and we'll match you.