About EMDR Psychotherapy
Available in the Greater Cleveland Area with Soul Awakening
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach originally developed to treat trauma and PTSD. It helps people process distressing memories so they become less emotionally charged. Instead of erasing the memory, EMDR allows the brain to reprocess it in a way that reduces its intensity and emotional impact.
How EMDR works in practice:
The therapist guides you to recall a troubling memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (usually side-to-side eye movements).
This process activates both sides of the brain, which helps “unstick” the memory and allows new, healthier associations to form.
Over sessions, the memory becomes less distressing, and clients often report relief from intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, or negative self-beliefs.
Why consider EMDR:
It’s recognized as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD by organizations like the American Psychology Association and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Beyond trauma, EMDR has been applied to anxiety, depression, grief, phobias, and performance-related issues.
Many people find it works faster than traditional talk therapy for trauma-related symptoms.
EMDR is powerful because it goes beyond talk therapy and taps into how the brain stores trauma, helping you heal in a deeper way.
An EMDRIA-trained therapist ensures you’re working with someone who has met the highest standards for competence, ethics, and safety in delivering this specialized therapy.
Akemi is an EMDRIA member and trained by the EMDRIA approved trainer.
EMDRIA (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association) is the main professional organization that sets standards for EMDR therapy worldwide.
Seeing a therapist trained by or affiliated with EMDRIA usually means:
Rigorous Training: They’ve completed EMDRIA-approved basic training, which includes both didactic learning and consulted practice. This ensures they’re not just “dabbling” in EMDR after a brief workshop.
Ethical & Professional Standards: EMDRIA members follow strict ethical guidelines and best practices specific to EMDR.
Continuing Education: They often pursue ongoing consultation and advanced training (e.g., complex trauma, dissociation, children/adolescents).
Credibility: EMDRIA recognition assures you the therapist is well-versed in the correct protocol and safe application of EMDR.
In contrast, a therapist who learned EMDR in a non-EMDRIA-approved workshop may or may not have received as thorough a foundation, supervision, or accountability. EMDR done incorrectly can sometimes be overwhelming or ineffective, so proper training is important.