MedCircle Original Series

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

EMDR is an innovative way to address traumatic memories to improve current-day behavior & mental health. Learn the tools from a neuropsychologist.

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Series Overview

Why We Don’t Fully Process Trauma Memories & How EMDR Helps 13 Min

Dr. Judy explains how past traumatic experiences can create distressing memories that are never fully processed, and how this causes current-day emotional and behavioral issues. She explains what it actually means to “fully process” a memory, and how part of your traumatic memory can still be stored even if you didn’t fully process it. She breaks down the theory behind how EMDR fixes that problem. Finally, She explains how EMDR works for mental health conditions other than post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the long-term outcomes you can achieve after experiencing EMDR.

EMDR Phase 1: Patient History & Treatment Planning 8 Min

Patients end up in an EMDR therapist’s office for a variety of reasons. There are three core things the therapist needs to know about the patient before continuing the treatment plan; Dr. Judy walks through each one in this session. She explains how the patient’s trauma history, current stress triggers, and future goals all play a role in the outcomes of therapy. Additionally—she explains whether EMDR will still work if the patient doesn’t “believe” in it.

EMDR Phases 2-3: Preparation & Assessment 8 Min

Now that the therapist has determined that the client is a fit for Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, what’s next? In this session, neuropsychologist Dr. Judy Ho highlights how she prepares and assesses the client for treatment. In these phases, she explains how “grounding” and other stress reduction techniques will help the client process trauma, how she assesses the patient’s current negative beliefs, triggers, and even physical ailments that resulted from the client’s past trauma. She explains how all of this information will inform the EMDR treatment journey.

EMDR Phases 4-5: Desensitization and Installation 13 Min

Dr. Judy walks through the systematic technique of addressing each “part” of a traumatic memory—and why this systematic approach is so effective. She sheds light on the concept of “bilateral simulation” and how it puts the patient into a relaxed enough position to process trauma. She also explains what it actually looks like when physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms may crop up during this processing of a traumatic memory. Additionally, Dr. Judy breaks down how the “installation” phase reaffirms the positive beliefs which replace negative coping mechanisms for trauma like substance abuse. Finally, she walks through relatable examples of this stage of therapy with Kyle to really drive home the efficacy of EMDR.

EMDR Phases 6-8: Body Scan, Closure, and Reevaluation 14 Min

Dr. Judy explains how she uses a “body scan” to assess whether the client is still having negative physiological responses to the memory of trauma. Kyle walks through his own example of trauma, which parts may be unprocessed, and how EMDR theory could help. Dr. Judy then explains what the “closure” phase entails, and how it enables the client to take back control of their mental health. Finally, Dr. Judy sheds light on the “reevaluation” stage—-and what to do if the trauma still isn’t fully processed.

Where You Can Find EMDR Therapy Near You (& Save Money) 6 Min

In our final session, Dr. Judy explains why it’s important to go to a trauma specialist versus another type of therapist. She shares the specific education, training, and testing a trauma therapist goes through. Finally, she walks through how to find a trauma specialist, how to interview the specialist to ensure they’re right for you, how to “break up” with a therapist, and how to tell whether therapy is taking a longer time to work versus not working at all.

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You can get free access to all 6 segments of this video series when you become a MedCircle Member. You’ll also get access to weekly virtual workshops and more than 900 educational and inspiring videos. 

About the Series

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is an innovative technique that allows a survivor to safely process the root of a past trauma, and restore power and control in their lives.

Memories of trauma tend to get compartmentalized in the brain. As a neuropsychologist, Dr. Judy Ho specializes in the relationship between our brain’s cognitive processes (including the neuroscience of memory) and how these processes indirectly impact current-day behavior.

In this series, Dr. Judy walks through just how EMDR allows patients to rewire their brains, process their emotions, repair those memories, and ultimately get their lives back on track.

30 to 40 percent of people experience a traumatic event in their lifetime—but they shouldn’t have to needlessly suffer. This series sheds light one treatment option that could change the mental health outcomes for a survivor of trauma.

Who is this series for?

This series is for anyone looking to get an in-depth education on EMDR therapy—from one of the leading neuropsychologists & trauma experts in the country.

When my daughter told me she was going to try EMDR therapy, I wanted to educate myself on exactly what that entails and the potential risk factors. This series provided everything I wanted to know and so much more. Thank you, MedCircle and Dr. Judy."
MedCircle Member

In this series, you’ll discover:

  • Why the brain may not process a traumatic event as it is actually occurring, and how EMDR can help someone fully and correctly process this memory later in life
  • How EMDR works compared to other types of therapy for trauma like trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and Somatic Experiencing (SE) Therapy—and how to know which one is right for you
  • A comprehensive walk-through of each Phases 1-8 of EMDR: what each phase looks like, how long it lasts, the goals/purpose of each phase, and how each one works
  • Where to find a good EMDR therapy provider near you
  • The specific education, training and testing a trauma therapist goes to which is why they are more skilled to deal with it
  • The specific signs that EMDR process is working for you

“EMDR is all about resolving problematic memories, processing them fully, so that you can thrive in life.”

Triple Board Certified Clinical & Forensic Neuropsychologist, Ph.D.

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Start Watching This Series Now!

You can get free access to all 6 segments of this video series when you become a MedCircle Member. You’ll also get access to every video series from the MedCircle doctors.