What Is EMDR Therapy?
A compassionate, evidence-based approach to help your brain and body process trauma, distressing memories, and nervous system activation.
EMDR therapy can help the brain and body process distressing experiences that may still feel active in the present. For many clients, trauma does not only show up as memories — it can also show up as hypervigilance, emotional shutdown, anxiety, body tension, triggers, or feeling stuck in survival mode.
I am EMDR-trained and use EMDR therapy as part of trauma-informed care for clients experiencing trauma, anxiety, distressing memories, attachment wounds, and nervous system activation. EMDR can be a powerful tool to help you process what happened and reclaim your sense of safety and presence.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) uses bilateral stimulation — typically eye movements guided by a trained therapist — to help your brain process traumatic memories and distressing experiences. It sounds simple, but the science behind it is quite elegant.
When trauma occurs, sometimes the brain gets "stuck" processing it. The memory stays locked in your nervous system in a way that keeps feeling alive and threatening. EMDR helps your brain's natural processing mechanisms engage so that the traumatic memory can be moved to a healthier place in your mind.
The result? Many clients report that after EMDR, the distressing memory still exists, but it no longer carries the same emotional charge or triggers. The memory becomes a story of something that happened to you, rather than something that's still happening to you.
What to Expect in EMDR Sessions
Preparation & Safety Planning
Before we begin EMDR processing, we spend time building safety and teaching you grounding techniques. This ensures you feel resourced and supported throughout the process.
Identifying the Target Memory
We identify the distressing memory or experience you'd like to process. This might be a single traumatic event, a core memory, or a pattern of experiences.
The Processing Phase
I'll guide your eyes back and forth (or use other forms of bilateral stimulation) while you think about the memory. You'll notice that your associations, insights, and emotions may shift. This is your brain processing. I'm here to support and guide you.
Integration & Closure
After processing, we work to integrate the new understanding and close the session safely. You'll leave with resources and grounding techniques to support yourself between sessions.
What Can EMDR Help With?
- Trauma and PTSD
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Distressing memories and flashbacks
- Complex trauma and attachment wounds
- Depression linked to traumatic events
- Hypervigilance and nervous system activation
- Grief and loss
- Performance anxiety and self-doubt
Common Questions About EMDR
Does EMDR make me relive the trauma?
No. You're not reliving it; you're processing it. You stay present and resourced throughout the session. The goal is to help your brain move the memory from "this is happening now" to "this happened, and I survived it."
How many sessions does EMDR take?
It varies. Some people see significant shifts in 3-6 sessions. Others with more complex trauma may benefit from longer-term work. We'll assess together and create a treatment plan that makes sense for your needs.
Is EMDR backed by research?
Yes. EMDR is recognized by the American Psychological Association and other major organizations as an evidence-based treatment for trauma. Decades of research support its effectiveness.
What if I'm not a "good candidate" for EMDR?
EMDR works well for most people, but not everyone. That's fine. If EMDR doesn't fit your situation, I have many other evidence-based approaches — like DBT, IFS, attachment work, and more — to support your healing.
Learn More About EMDR
Watch this brief introduction from EMDR International Association:
For more information about EMDR, visit the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) website.
EMDRIA provides educational resources, research, and information about EMDR therapy and certified EMDR practitioners.
Courtesy of EMDR International Association.
Ready to Explore EMDR?
If EMDR resonates with you, or if you'd like to discuss whether it might help with what you're experiencing, I'd love to talk. In a free 15-minute consultation, we can explore your situation, answer any questions, and discuss next steps.
Schedule a Free 15-Minute Consultation