01 / Trauma
Traumatic experiences
Post-traumatic stress, sexual abuse or assault, violence, abuse, and other trauma- or stress-related concerns.
Trauma-informed therapy / Oakdale, Minnesota
EMDR Therapy for Difficult Experiences.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach for people who have experienced trauma or other distressing life events.
Understanding EMDR
What is EMDR therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach for individuals of all ages who have experienced trauma or other distressing life experiences.
EMDR is designed to help people process distressing memories. Unlike approaches that rely primarily on talking through an experience in detail, EMDR incorporates bilateral stimulation as part of a structured therapeutic process.
When people seek support
When might EMDR be considered?
People may explore EMDR when distressing experiences are connected to emotional, behavioral, or physical challenges. Topics people may discuss with a provider include:
02 / Anxiety
Fear and anxiety
Anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, and performance anxiety.
03 / Mood
Emotional challenges
Depression, bipolar disorders, grief, loss, and distressing emotions.
04 / Daily well-being
Health and sleep concerns
Chronic illness, medical issues, pain, and sleep disturbances.
05 / Complex challenges
Other mental health concerns
Dissociative disorders, eating disorders, and personality disorders.
06 / Recovery
Substance use and addiction
Distressing experiences that may be part of substance-use and addiction-related concerns.
These examples do not mean EMDR is appropriate for every condition or person. Whether this approach fits your needs is something to discuss with a qualified provider.
What treatment involves
How does EMDR work?
EMDR incorporates bilateral stimulation into a therapeutic process that supports the processing of distressing experiences. This may involve several forms of bilateral stimulation:
01 / Visual
Guided eye movements
The therapist may use guided side-to-side eye movements during parts of treatment.
02 / Auditory
Bilateral sounds
Bilateral sounds may be incorporated as part of the therapy process.
03 / Tactile
Alternating tapping
Alternating taps or other tactile cues can be used instead of eye movements.
04 / Individualized
Care tailored to you
A typical EMDR session lasts 60–90 minutes; the approach and course of care depend on individual needs.
How EMDR fits into care
A flexible approach to treatment.
EMDR may be incorporated into ongoing talk therapy, offered as an additional treatment alongside work with another therapist, or used as a stand-alone therapy.
Learn more from the EMDR International Association (opens in a new tab).
Connect with Milestone
Interested in exploring EMDR therapy?
To ask about a first appointment, use our contact form to request a response from our team. The Client Portal is for existing clients.