What is EMDR therapy and how does it work?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy developed in 1987 specifically for trauma. It works by helping your brain reprocess traumatic memories so they lose their emotional charge. During EMDR, you recall a traumatic memory while your therapist guides bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements, but also tapping or sounds). This combination allows your brain to naturally process the trauma and integrate it as a normal memory rather than a trigger for ongoing distress.

How many sessions does EMDR therapy typically take?

Duration varies based on trauma complexity, history, and individual factors. Single-incident trauma may resolve in 6-12 sessions. Complex or repeated trauma typically requires 12-50+ sessions. Robert provides an estimate after an initial assessment and adjusts the treatment plan as you progress. EMDR is often faster than traditional talk therapy for trauma processing.

What does the 8-phase EMDR protocol involve?

EMDR follows a structured 8-phase protocol: (1) History taking and treatment planning, (2) Preparation and resourcing, (3) Assessment of the target memory, (4) Desensitization through bilateral stimulation, (5) Installation of positive cognitions, (6) Body scan for residual tension, (7) Closure, and (8) Reevaluation. This structure ensures safe, effective trauma processing.

Is Robert Romano EMDRIA certified for EMDR?

Yes, Robert Romano is EMDRIA-certified (EMDR International Association). This certification demonstrates that he has completed rigorous training in the EMDR protocol, maintained clinical competency, and adheres to ethical standards. EMDRIA certification is the gold standard for EMDR practitioners.

EMDR Therapy in Connecticut

Q: What conditions does EMDR treat?

EMDR is most effective for PTSD and trauma (from accidents, assault, combat, abuse, or other distressing events). It's also evidence-based for anxiety disorders, phobias, panic disorder, depression, and other conditions where traumatic memories or distressing experiences are maintaining symptoms. Robert Romano, LCSW, uses EMDR along with other modalities depending on your specific presentation.

Evidence-based trauma therapy from an EMDRIA-certified therapist.

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EMDR Therapy: Transforming Trauma & Pain into Resolution

If you've survived trauma—whether a single traumatic event, prolonged abuse, combat exposure, or accident—you know how it can lodge itself in your nervous system, triggered by reminders, interfering with sleep, relationships, and your sense of safety in the world. Traditional talk therapy alone sometimes leaves trauma's emotional charge intact. That's where EMDR comes in.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a revolutionary, evidence-based psychotherapy treatment developed in 1987 specifically for trauma. Robert Romano, LCSW, is an EMDRIA-certified EMDR therapist, meaning he has completed rigorous training, maintains clinical competency, and follows the highest ethical standards. If you're ready to process trauma and reclaim your life, EMDR may be transformative.

How EMDR Works: The Science of Trauma Processing

Trauma memories are stored differently in the brain than ordinary memories. When you experience trauma, your brain's normal processing mechanisms can get overwhelmed, leaving the traumatic memory "frozen" in time with its full emotional and physical impact intact. When something reminds you of the trauma, your nervous system reacts as if the threat is happening now, not decades ago.

EMDR reactivates your brain's natural healing and processing mechanisms. Here's the mechanism: During EMDR, you briefly recall the traumatic memory while your therapist guides bilateral stimulation (typically rhythmic eye movements, but also alternating tapping or sounds). This bilateral stimulation, combined with focused attention on the trauma, allows your brain to process the memory naturally—much like what happens during REM sleep when your eyes move back and forth. The traumatic memory gradually loses its emotional power and becomes integrated as a normal memory: "That happened to me, but it's not happening now."

What It's NOT

Not hypnosis
Not exposure therapy alone
Not talk therapy
Not relaxation training
Not a medication

What It IS

Structured 8-phase protocol
Bilateral stimulation + trauma recall
Brain's natural healing activated
Evidence-based, APA-endorsed
Often faster than traditional therapy

The 8-Phase EMDR Protocol

EMDR is a carefully structured process ensuring your safety and success. Robert follows the standard 8-phase protocol:

Phase 1: History Taking & Treatment Planning

Robert develops a complete picture of your trauma history, current symptoms, and goals. He identifies the traumatic memories to target and assesses your stability and readiness for EMDR processing.

Phase 2: Preparation & Resourcing

Before processing trauma, Robert teaches you grounding and calming techniques. You develop internal and external resources (safe place imagery, coping skills) to draw on during and between sessions.

Phase 3: Assessment of the Target Memory

You identify the specific traumatic memory to process. Robert assesses the image, negative belief, emotions, body sensations, and validity of positive cognitions. This establishes a baseline for change.

Phase 4: Desensitization

You recall the traumatic image while Robert guides bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds). You notice whatever comes up—images, emotions, sensations, insights. The process continues in brief sets until distress decreases significantly.

Phase 5: Installation of Positive Cognition

You identify a positive belief you want to have about yourself (e.g., "I survived" or "I'm safe now"). Robert strengthens this belief through additional bilateral stimulation while you hold both the memory and the positive statement.

Phase 6: Body Scan

You scan your body for any remaining tension or discomfort related to the trauma. If sensations persist, Robert processes them until your body feels calm and integrated.

Phase 7: Closure

The session ends with closure techniques ensuring you feel stable and grounded before leaving. If the trauma isn't fully processed, Robert helps you return to your baseline using the coping tools from Phase 2.

Phase 8: Reevaluation

At the start of each new session, Robert evaluates your progress, assesses whether additional memories need processing, and tracks your overall healing. Treatment continues until targeted memories no longer cause distress.

What Conditions Does EMDR Treat?

While EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, decades of research have expanded its applications. Evidence supports EMDR for:

PTSD & Complex PTSD from combat, assault, abuse, accidents
Anxiety Disorders including generalized anxiety and panic
Specific Phobias driving, flying, animals, heights
Social Anxiety and performance anxiety

Depression linked to traumatic events
Grief & Loss following bereavement
Sexual Dysfunction related to trauma
Chronic Pain with trauma components

Robert will conduct a thorough assessment to determine if EMDR is appropriate for your specific situation. Sometimes EMDR is combined with other modalities like DBT or IFS for optimal results.

The Research: Why EMDR Works

EMDR isn't just anecdotal. It has rigorous scientific backing:

+ FDA-cleared device: The device used to guide eye movements in EMDR has FDA clearance for PTSD treatment.
+ APA-endorsed: The American Psychological Association recognizes EMDR as an effective treatment for PTSD with strong research support.
+ VA/DoD guidelines: The Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense recommend EMDR as a first-line treatment for PTSD.
+ Rapid results: Studies show trauma processing in 1-3 sessions for single-incident trauma, compared to traditional therapy's typical 15+ sessions.
+ Brain imaging: Research using fMRI shows EMDR changes how trauma memories are processed in the brain.

The bottom line: EMDR is one of the most researched and evidence-supported trauma treatments available. Thousands of therapists and hundreds of thousands of clients have benefited.

Why Robert's EMDRIA Certification Matters

Not all therapists offering "EMDR" have formal certification. EMDRIA certification represents the gold standard:

• Rigorous Training: Robert completed minimum 100 hours of EMDR-specific training plus supervised practice.
• Verified Competency: He's demonstrated clinical competency through case presentations and peer review.
• Continuous Education: EMDRIA-certified therapists maintain credentials through ongoing education and compliance with ethical standards.
• Your Assurance: When you work with an EMDRIA-certified therapist, you know you're getting proper EMDR protocol, not a watered-down version.

Begin EMDR Therapy in Connecticut

Ready to process trauma and reclaim your life? The first step is a free 15-minute consultation where Robert can answer your questions and determine if EMDR is right for you.

Phone: 203.654.9094

Email: LCSW@robromano.com

Offices: Darien (30 Old Kings Hwy S) & Westport (191 Post Road W), CT

Also Available: Secure telehealth throughout Connecticut

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