
EMDR -
EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION & REPROCESSING
EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION & REPROCESSING
It’s completely normal to feel stuck sometimes. Maybe you are dealing with a painful memory that won’t seem to leave you alone, or perhaps you notice yourself reacting intensely to stressful situations and you aren't quite sure why.
When we experience difficult or traumatic events, our brains can sometimes struggle to process them properly. It's like a mental traffic jam, the memory gets stuck in its raw, emotional form, causing distress long after the event has passed.
At OpenRoots Psychology, Dr. Kiran Shetra offers EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy to help you clear that traffic jam, untangle those roots, and find long-lasting relief.
What Exactly is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Don't let the long name scare you! At it's heart, EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that helps your brain naturally heal from distressing life experiences.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, you won't need to describe every painful detail of your past out loud. Instead, EMDR uses simple techniques like following a moving light or gentle tapping to stimulate both sides of your brain. This process is called bilateral stimulation.
This rhythmic tracking helps your brain take those old, painful memories and file them away correctly, so they lose their emotional sting. You will still remember what happened, but it will no longer feel heavy, overwhelming, or disruptive to your daily life.
How EMDR Can Help You
EMDR is highly effective for a wide range of challenges, not just severe trauma. Dr. Kiran Shetra uses EMDR to help clients navigate:
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Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Quieting the constant "high alert" feeling in your body.
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Past Traumas: Healing from childhood distress, accidents, or difficult life changes.
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Phobias and Fears: Overcoming specific triggers that hold you back.
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Low Self-Esteem: Rewiring the negative, stubborn beliefs you might hold about yourself (like "I'm not good enough").
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Grief and Loss: Processing deep heartache so you can move forward with peace.
What to Expect in Your Sessions
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but Dr. Kiran provides a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you are always in control.
You are the driver. During EMDR, you are completely awake, alert, and in control. If things ever feel too intense, we can pause instantly.
We will work together in clear stages:
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Building Safe Roots: First, we focus on getting to know you and teaching you simple tools to feel calm and grounded.
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Targeting the Memory: We gently bring the troubling memory to mind while using eye movements or gentle tapping.
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Finding Relief: Over time, you'll notice the memory feels more distant, lighter, and much less upsetting.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You don't have to carry the weight of the past forever. Healing is possible, and you don't have to do it alone.
If you'd like to explore how EMDR therapy can help you feel more grounded and connected to your true self, let's chat. Get in touch with Dr. Kiran Shetra at OpenRoots Psychology today to schedule your initial consultation.
