EMDR
Does this sound like you?
“I know the past is behind me, but it still feels like it’s running the show. Certain memories, feelings, or even random moments trigger a reaction I can’t always explain—like my body is stuck in fight-or-flight, even when everything seems fine. I’ve tried to move on, to rationalize it, but no matter what I do, the weight of it lingers. I just want to feel free, to stop carrying the past into my present, and finally feel like myself again."
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
Whether it’s a single traumatic event, childhood wounds, or the accumulation of stress over time, unresolved experiences can shape the way you see yourself, others, and the world. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful therapy designed to help you process and heal from these experiences—so they no longer define you. EMDR has been extensively researched and found to be effective for the treatment of PTSD and other effects of trauma. EMDR is recommended in the treatment guidelines of the World Health Organization, International Society for Traumatic Stress, the American Psychological Association, and the American Psychiatric Association.
If this sounds familiar, EMDR might be right for you.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is an evidence-based approach that helps reprocess distressing memories, allowing your brain to heal naturally—just like it does when recovering from a physical wound. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to relive every detail of your trauma. Instead, it helps your brain integrate and release the emotional and physical weight of past experiences, so they no longer feel as overwhelming or triggering.
Using bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements), EMDR helps the brain “re-file” distressing memories in a way that reduces their emotional intensity. The goal is not to erase what happened but to shift how it affects you—so you can respond to life with more ease, confidence, and resilience.
Who can benefit from EMDR?
EMDR is highly effective for individuals who have experienced:
Trauma & PTSD (including childhood trauma, relationship trauma, and single-incident trauma)
Anxiety & Panic Attacks
Chronic Stress & Burnout
Self-Doubt & Low Self-Esteem
Perfectionism & High-Functioning Anxiety
Difficult Life Transitions or Relationship Struggles
Courtesy of EMDRIA.org
Even if you don’t think your experiences are “big” enough to be considered trauma, EMDR can help release deep-seated fears, patterns, and emotional wounds that may be holding you back.
What to Expect from EMDR Therapy
EMDR is an eight-phase process that includes:
Identifying key memories or experiences that need healing
Strengthening coping skills to regulate emotions during processing
Guided bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds) to help the brain process the experience in a new way
Integrating positive beliefs and emotional shifts to create lasting change
Throughout this process, I provide a supportive, structured space where you can move through healing at your own pace. You are always in control of your experience.
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The length of EMDR therapy varies depending on individual needs, the complexity of the experiences being processed, and overall treatment goals. While some clients experience significant relief in just a few sessions, others may require a more extended approach. During our initial sessions, we’ll assess your unique needs and develop a tailored plan to ensure a pace that feels safe and effective for you.
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EMDR is a well-researched and effective therapy, but like any therapeutic approach, it can bring up temporary emotional or physical responses. Some clients experience increased awareness of emotions, vivid dreams, or mild fatigue between sessions as their brain continues to process. These effects are typically short-lived and part of the healing process. I provide tools and strategies to help you regulate emotions and ensure that therapy moves at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you.
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Consistent weekly sessions are essential during the initial and middle phases of EMDR treatment, providing the structure and support needed as your brain learns to process past experiences in a new way. Regular sessions help ensure stabilization, track progress, and make adjustments as needed. As we near the final phase of therapy, we can explore shifting to biweekly or monthly check-ins to maintain progress and reinforce the skills you’ve developed.
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Not at all. One of the unique aspects of EMDR therapy is that you don’t have to go into explicit detail about your past experiences for healing to occur. My job as your therapist is to guide you through the process, helping you focus on your present emotions and body responses as you recall the memory. Each session is designed to keep you within your "window of tolerance"—a space where you can process without becoming emotionally or physically overwhelmed. I’ll be there to ensure we move at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you.
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Standard therapy sessions typically are 45 minutes. However, for EMDR therapy, 60 or 90-minute sessions are recommended whenever possible to allow deeper processing and meaningful progress on the memories being targeted. That said, 45-minute sessions can still be highly effective, and many clients see significant benefits within the standard session length. The right timing will depend on your individual needs and comfort level.
