EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Re-Processing (EMDR) is a well researched approach to therapy to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences, including PTSD, anxiety, specific phobias and panic disorders. 

EMDR sessions often follow a similar routine from session to session.   The first sessions focus on preparing for trauma processing, starting with gathering a history, building coping strategies,  providing education about trauma and learning how it manifests in the client's life.  Trauma processing in EMDR is highly structured and generally involves using bi-lateral stimulation (moving the eyes back and forth, listening to alternating sounds, tapping the body, etc) while bringing to mind specific experiences.

EMDR can be a helpful approach to address distressing experiences.  

Specifically for those who have birth/pregnancy related trauma, EMDR can help to process, re-integrate and make meaning after a difficult experience.  Sometimes the experience of post-partum or future pregnancies can be impacted by difficult memories and feelings of overwhelm, sadness, powerlessness or fear can be re-triggered.  This can effect a parent's ability to heal, bond with their child or in some cases be willing to experience pregnancy and birth again.  

EMDR can help birthing persons move forward after distressing experiences to feel more empowered, and more able to engage in the present moment whether that be bonding with their children, making life decisions or choosing to become pregnant again.