Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Heal Trauma at Its Roots with EMDR Therapy

At Lori Gill Psychotherapy, several of our therapists are trained in EMDR, including Trauma and Attachment-Focused EMDR (Parnell). EMDR is a well-researched, evidence-based therapy that helps people process and heal from trauma, anxiety, and other distressing life experiences—even when words are hard to find.

What is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapy that uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds) to help your brain reprocess difficult memories and reduce their emotional impact. EMDR can help with:

  • Healing from single-incident or complex trauma
  • Processing pre-verbal or early childhood trauma
  • Reducing anxiety, phobias, and distressing memories
  • Addressing somatic (body-based) reactions to stress
  • Installing positive resources and coping strategies

How Does EMDR Work?

During EMDR sessions, your therapist will guide you to focus on a troubling memory while you engage in bilateral stimulation. This process helps your brain “unstick” and reprocess the memory, so it feels less overwhelming and more manageable.

How EMDR Helps You Heal

Target the Root Cause
EMDR works with memory networks to address the core of your distress.

Bilateral Stimulation
Uses eye movements, tapping, or sounds to help your brain process memories.

Reduce Emotional Distress
Helps you feel less overwhelmed by past events.

Install Positive Coping
Builds new, healthy beliefs and coping strategies.

Effective for All Ages
Suitable for children, teens, and adults.

EMDR and ITATM at Lori Gill Psychotherapy

Several therapists at Lori Gill Psychotherapy are trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), including Trauma and Attachment Focused EMDR (Parnell). EMDR is a therapy that uses bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements or tapping) to help process and resolve traumatic memories. It is effective for addressing root causes of various issues, including pre-verbal trauma, somatic reactions, and for building internal resources.

All of our therapists are also trained in ITATM (Integrative Trauma and Attachment Treatment Model), which was developed by Lori Gill and presented at the EMDR Canada Conference as an advanced or adapted version of EMDR. Like EMDR, ITATM uses bilateral stimulation, but it is more structured and follows a step-by-step protocol. This structure can be especially helpful for clients with complex trauma.

Key Differences:

  • EMDR: More free-associative, allowing clients to move through memories and associations as they arise.
  • ITATM: Highly structured with a clear protocol, providing a supportive framework for processing trauma—particularly beneficial for complex trauma cases.

 

Both EMDR and ITATM are evidence-based and effective for trauma treatment. We often use ITATM as a starting point for complex trauma due to its structured approach.

Why Choose EMDR at Lori Gill Psychotherapy?

  • Therapists trained in standard and attachment-focused EMDR (Parnell)
  • Integrative approach—can combine EMDR with ITATM, body-based and creative therapies
  • Trauma-informed, compassionate care for all ages