I have advanced training in EMDR from the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a powerful method of modern psychotherapy used to treat PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. Having received much attention for its effectiveness in working with combat veterans and other trauma survivors, it is becoming widely accepted as one of the most effective ways to treat trauma today.

Though there is still much to be learned about exactly how EMDR works from a scientific standpoint, what is known is that during traumatic experiences, information does not get fully processed in a way that enables a person to integrate and heal fully, after the event. This integration between mind and body that is necessary for healing, occurs during EMDR, and functioning that has often been impaired, can be restored and resume to pre-trauma levels.

EMDR can be a method of therapy used on its own or as an adjunctive method while doing talk therapy, or other forms of healing work.

You may visit www.emdria.org to read more about EMDR. If you have questions about using EMDR or to make an appointment, please contact me at kathryn@kathrynhirtmft.com or (510) 220-3558.