healing is possible
A research-backed approach to processing trauma so you can move forward — without carrying the weight of the past.
what is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is an innovative form of counseling that links many successful elements of a variety of therapeutic approaches in combination with eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation. The eye movements help to effectively stimulate the brain's Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) system, which may generate significant improvements in a short period of time.
This therapy can help with both the healing of psychological pain and physical discomfort related to trauma, depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues and other life events. It is used to effectively treat both upsetting past events and present life conditions.
Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., developed EMDR in 1987 and to date over 200,000 mental health therapists in 52 countries have been trained.
EMDR is recommended by the American Psychiatric Association, the Israeli National Council for Mental Health, the US Department of Veteran Affairs, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Department of Defense, and other professional organizations.
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an innovative approach
Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ (KA-EMDR) is an innovative trauma treatment that combines two powerful, evidence-informed tools — EMDR therapy and low-dose sublingual ketamine — to help clients process traumatic memories and difficult life experiences that are contributing to present-day distress.
This approach was developed in 2024 by Danielle Ciccone and Michele Topel, co-founders of the Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ Institute.
KA-EMDR uses a low, psycholytic dose of ketamine — meaning the dose is intentionally kept low enough that you remain alert, present, and actively engaged in your session. The goal is to reduce anxiety, increase emotional openness, and expand your window of tolerance, making the deeper work of EMDR processing feel more accessible.
Ketamine is not provided or administered by your therapist. You will work with a licensed prescribing medical provider who handles the medical evaluation, prescription, and oversight. There are additional costs associated with the medical side of treatment.
Research suggests ketamine may enhance neuroplasticity and create a window of increased openness to change — allowing old fear-based patterns to shift more readily. When combined with EMDR, clients often report feeling safer, more emotionally connected, and more open to the healing process.
Early research on KA-EMDR is promising. A pilot study found that clients reported noticeable reductions in PTSD symptoms after several reprocessing sessions, with minimal side effects. While these early findings are encouraging, this is still an emerging treatment and larger clinical studies are underway.
KA-EMDR may be a good fit if you:
- Have tried trauma therapy but feel like processing gets stuck
- Struggle with high anxiety or emotional shutdown that makes EMDR feel difficult to access
- Are looking for an approach that is targeted, gentle, and time-efficient
A thorough psychological and medical screening is required before beginning.
- Ketamine must be prescribed and monitored by a licensed medical provider — your therapist does not administer or supply the medication
- This is an emerging treatment with promising early results — larger clinical studies are still underway
- Possible side effects include nausea, dizziness, mild dissociation, and increased emotional sensitivity — typically short-lived and manageable
- As with all treatments, individual results vary and symptom relief is not guaranteed
curious if it's right for you?
Reach out to our office and ask about scheduling a consultation to learn more about KA-EMDR.