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Specialty Treatment
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
EMDR is an effective therapy approach for the treatment of trauma. It uses bilateral stimulation and repetitive eye movements to help you reprocess distressing thoughts and reduce the intensity of those thoughts. The brain stores distressing memories and thoughts as "sensory memories" instead of "factual memories" when exposed to traumatic situations.
Accessing those memories later can make you experience unpleasant feelings and sensations, even though you are not actually experiencing the event at the moment. EMDR can help separate the sensations that are linked to those memories so that your response when recalling the event is more rational and the previous distressing emotions are no longer part of it.
How Does It Work?
EMDR is based on the notion that negative thoughts and feelings are the result of "unprocessed memories." By using a technique called bilateral stimulation, which is paired with the distressing memories you experience, your therapist will alter the way you see the event that causes distress. While doing this, the right and left hemispheres of your brain become activated, allowing neural connections to be created.
Today, several types of bilateral sensory input may be used to accomplish this goal. For instance, some EMDR therapists would ask you to follow their moving finger with their eyes or alternate between your right and left knee while tapping them, while others use technology to guide this process. There are machines with lights that move back and forth or hand-held pods that vibrate and have adjustable speed and strength.
No matter the device being used, you should be able to remember an event without feeling distressing sensations in your body soon after you start receiving EMDR treatment. You will also develop autonomy and experience increased self-esteem.
Eight Phases
EMDR works as sequential processing. When the correct target is processed, subsequent stressors will also be addressed.
History
Gathering background information and trauma history
Preparation
Building coping skills and establishing safety
Assessment
Identifying target memories and baseline measurements
Desensitization
Processing traumatic memories with bilateral stimulation
Installation
Strengthening positive beliefs and self-concept
Body Scan
Checking for residual physical sensations
Closure
Ensuring stability and grounding before session ends
Re-evaluation
Assessing progress and planning next steps
About Our Providers
Havah Henzler, LCSW
Havah Henzler is a fully licensed clinical social worker who has been trained to provide Trauma-Focused Cognitive Therapy. She completed her training and certification in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocess (EMDR) through the EMDR International Association back in February 2012 and is an expert in the application of this research-based integrative psychotherapy approach.
Using auditory tones or visual cues, Havah will ask you to follow a rhythmic left-right pattern while prompting thoughts and feelings that are linked to your traumatic memories and beliefs. Havah's therapy sessions are offered in an environment of trust, compassion, and empathy.
Her sessions are designed to provide you with the support you need to enhance your sense of self control. She will help you navigate through your struggles, listen to you without judgement, and reprocess your traumatic memories to liberate you from the emotional distress associated with those memories.
Stacy Tarantino
Stacy Tarantino became certified in EMDR in February 2025 from the EMDR Consultants. During Stacy's sessions, she works with you to build a relationship to better connect with you and understand your trauma.
From there, Stacy works with you to target a specific memory that you would like to work on. She works with you to make you feel seen, heard and understood.
Other Trauma Related Services
Clinical Hypnosis
Clinical Hypnosis is utilized in conjunction with medical treatment and no idea of medical treatment. Clinical hypnosis is facilitated by a licensed health care provider such as a physician, psychologist, therapist, dentist, or chiropractor.
Clinical hypnosis can bring about physical change as well as psychological and emotional change. An individual in trance knows what is occurring, is aware and functional, and may choose the appropriate time to terminate trance.