EMDR

“I’ve heard of EMDR, but I’m not really sure what it is.”

That’s a common statement. EMDR can sound a bit technical, and its full name (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. But the process is grounded in science and widely recognized by mental health professionals around the world as an effective treatment for trauma and stress-related conditions. Decades of research show EMDR to be highly effective for conditions like:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Anxiety and panic attacks

• Phobias

• Complicated grief

• Distressing memories or intrusive thoughts

• Self-esteem and emotional regulation challenges

EMDR is recommended by the American Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organization, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as an evidence-based treatment for trauma.

“So, how does it work?”

During EMDR, you’ll focus briefly on a troubling memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation — typically through guided eye movements, tapping, or gentle sounds that alternate from left to right.
This helps both sides of your brain work together to reprocess the memory. EMDR moves the memory from being emotionally “raw” or distressing to something that feels more neutral and manageable.

Hypnosis

“Ehhh, I don’t know about that, sounds kind of woo woo.”

If you found yourself thinking something similar to the sentiment above, know that you’re not alone. There are many misconceptions when it comes to hypnosis. Especially, in the context of therapy use. Let’s address some of those below.

“You mean like the shows where people cluck like chickens? “

Therapeutic hypnosis is not the kind of “stage hypnosis” you might see in entertainment settings. Hypnosis in therapy is a different process, focused on your well-being and guided by evidence-based counseling techniques.

“Okay, but I don’t like the idea of being unconscious.”

Good, because with therapeutic hypnosis you are never “out of it” or unconscious. Hypnosis just helps you pivot into a calm, focused state where it’s easier to make the changes you already want to make.

“I’m too _________ to be hypnotized”

Here’s the interesting thing, you are already being hypnotized much of the time. Ever experienced arriving at your destination point without remembering all the details of getting there? How about being in a class/meeting/training day dreaming about being elsewhere and you jump as someone suddenly calls your name? The hypnotic state can be very similar in experience. In learning more about hypnosis, you increase your personal autonomy and strategies for opting out of the routines of hypnosis we are exposed to on the daily.

“So, what’s actually happening during hypnosis then?”

In a hypnosis session, your therapist helps you reach a calm, inward-focused state. Similar to that feeling of driving somewhere and realizing you’ve been “on autopilot,” or getting lost in a good book.
In that relaxed, focused state, your subconscious mind becomes more receptive to positive suggestions that align with your goals like reducing anxiety, managing pain, building confidence, or breaking old habits.

“What about the science?”

The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) and the Mayo Clinic both recognize clinical hypnosis as a safe, evidence-informed approach when practiced by qualified professionals. In a Longitudinal comparison of the number of sessions necessary with different therapeutic methods conducted by Alfred A. Barrios, Ph.D. found the following:

Psychoanalysis: 38% recovery after 600 sessions

Behavior Therapy: 72% recovery after 22 sessions

Hypnotherapy: 93% recovery after 6 sessions

“What can it help with?”

Relaxation. Weight Loss. Smoking Cessation. Pain Management. Fears/Phobias. Depression. Anxiety. Stress. Self-Confidence. Overcoming Trauma. Anesthesia. Achieving Goals. Creativity. Memory Enhancement. Public Speaking. Sports Performance. Better Study/Learning Abilities. Addictions/Habits. Motivation. Inner Child Therapy. Meditation. Past Life Regressions. Dreams. Coming to terms with grief and more.