EMDR + Trauma INFORMED THERAPY

EMDR

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, evidence-based therapy designed to help people heal from trauma, anxiety, and other distressing experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation - such as guided eye movements, gentle tapping, or alternating sound tones - while an individual focuses on a troubling memory. This process is believed to help the brain reprocess the memory so it becomes less overwhelming and easier to integrate in a healthier, more adaptive way.

The result? Past experiences that once felt overwhelming can be reprocessed so they no longer hold the same emotional charge, creating space for resilience, peace, and growth.

How EMDR Works

EMDR therapy follows a structured eight-phase process designed to support healing every step of the way. It begins with building trust and preparing a client with coping tools. It then gently guides the client through identifying and reprocessing painful memories using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sound). Over time, the process helps reduce the emotional intensity of these memories while strengthening positive beliefs and restoring balance.

EMDR Can Help With:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Anxiety and panic attacks

  • Depression

  • Phobias and fears

  • Grief and loss

  • Performance blocks

  • Addiction

  • Disordered eating

  • Other trauma-related issues or distressing life events (divorce, accidents, medical trauma, etc.)

Why EMDR?

Backed by Research: EMDR is endorsed by the American Psychiatric Association, World Health Organization, and Department of Veterans Affairs and has been shown to be more effective than placebo treatments and to those not specifically designed for PTSD. You can find studies that compare EMDR to other treatments here.

Efficient + Effective: Many clients experience significant progress in fewer sessions compared to traditional methods. Post treatment follow up studies have shown the effects of treatment to be long-lasting.

Can Any Therapist use EMDR?

No, EMDR requires specialized training and certification. Therapists must complete an EMDRIA-approved training (EMDR International Association) or equivalent program. This training involves lectures, demonstrations, supervised practice, and consultation hours.

Take the Next Step

You don’t have to stay stuck in old patterns or painful memories. The Connective has several EMDR-trained practitioners available to help you reclaim your story and step into the life you want to live.

FLASH TECHNIQUE

What is The Flash Technique?

The Flash Technique is a trauma therapy method developed by Dr. Philip Manfield and Dr. Lewis Engel. 

The goal of Flash Technique is similar to EMDR as it aims to rapidly decrease the disturbance level of a traumatic memory, making it more manageable for processing with other therapeutic techniques like EMDR or as a standalone treatment. 

How does The Flash Technique work? 

The technique involves quickly "flashing" a client's attention between a positive, engaging focus (like a safe place or pleasant memory) and the distressing memory. This is often done with brief eye movements or other bilateral stimulation. 

What are the benefits of The Flash Technique?

  • Reduces the emotional intensity of traumatic memories without prolonged exposure to the distress. 

  • Can make traumatic memories easier to process with other trauma-focused therapies. 

  • May help clients engage more comfortably with everyday activities. 

  • Can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other approaches. 

Can any Therapist use The Flash Technique?

No, The Flash Technique requires specialized training to ensure it’s used safely and effectively. At The Connective, several of our clinicians are trained in this method and can integrate it into therapy when appropriate.

SOMATIC EXPERIENCING

What is Somatic Experiencing (SE)?

Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-centered therapeutic approach designed to help individuals heal from trauma and stress-related conditions. Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, SE focuses on resolving the physiological effects of trauma rather than just addressing thoughts or memories. By paying attention to bodily sensations, SE helps the nervous system release stored stress, leading to emotional regulation, resilience, and healing.

How does Somatic Experiencing work?

SE works by gently guiding individuals to notice sensations in their body, such as tension, warmth, or tingling, that are associated with past traumatic experiences. Through this awareness, clients can process and release trapped energy or “stuck” survival responses (like fight, flight, or freeze) in a safe, controlled manner. This helps the nervous system recalibrate and reduces the physical and emotional impact of trauma.

Therapists may use techniques such as guided awareness, movement, or tracking subtle shifts in sensation. Unlike some traditional talk therapies, SE emphasizes experiencing trauma through the body.

Who can benefit?

Somatic Experiencing is suitable for anyone experiencing:

  • Post-traumatic stress (PTSD)

  • Anxiety or panic

  • Chronic stress or overwhelm

  • Depression related to trauma

  • Physical symptoms linked to emotional trauma (e.g., tension, pain)

  • Complex trauma or developmental trauma

How Effective is Somatic Experiencing?

Research and clinical experience show that SE can significantly reduce trauma symptoms, improve emotional regulation, and enhance resilience. By targeting the body’s physiological response to trauma, SE can provide relief where cognitive or talk-based therapies alone may fall short.