Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
Healing the past so you can live more fully in the present.
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) is a powerful, evidence-based psychotherapy approach designed to help people heal from the emotional distress and symptoms that can follow trauma or other disturbing experiences. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has helped millions of individuals worldwide process difficult memories, reduce psychological symptoms, and move forward with greater ease.
When distressing events occur, the brain’s natural ability to process information can become disrupted. EMDR helps restart that natural healing process, allowing memories to be processed and integrated. As a result, painful experiences lose their emotional intensity, and clients often report feeling calmer, more grounded, and more in control.
How EMDR Is Different From Talk Therapy
While talk therapy often relies on discussion and insight, EMDR works directly with how memories are stored in the brain. EMDR focuses less on verbal processing and more on helping the brain and body “reprocess” memories so they no longer feel as distressing or stuck. Many clients experience symptom relief more quickly compared to traditional talk therapies.
EMDR utilizes a structured eight-phase protocol to target specific memories, reducing their emotional charge and making them easier to recall without becoming distressed or overwhelmed. Unique to EMDR, bilateral stimulation (guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones) is used to facilitate the healing process.
The Science Behind EMDR
EMDR is one of the most well-researched trauma therapies available today. EMDR is supported by decades of research and over 30 randomized controlled trials. It is recognized by organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD.
Studies show that EMDR can significantly reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and other issues, often in fewer sessions than other modalities. Clients often report improved emotional regulation, reduced distress, and greater overall wellbeing.
What to Expect
EMDR therapy follows a structured, eight-phase model designed to help you process distressing memories safely and effectively. Each phase builds on the next, supporting both stability and healing at your own pace. In all phases of EMDR, your safety and sense of control are the priority. You remain fully in control throughout the process and can pause, slow down, or stop at any time.
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We will begin by exploring your history and identifying experiences that may still be affecting you today. Together, we’ll develop a treatment plan that aligns with your goals and ensures EMDR is the right fit for your needs. We’ll also spend time discussing the therapy process and any questions or concerns you may have.
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Before any trauma processing begins, we’ll focus on building safety, trust, and stability. We will also work together on emotional regulation skills to help you feel resourced and grounded as we move forward.
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When you are ready, I’ll help you identify a specific memory to reprocess, along with the images, beliefs, feelings, and bodily sensations connected to it. We’ll assess your level of distress, identify a negative belief linked to the memory, and select a positive belief you’d like to strengthen through the process.
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You’ll hold aspects of a memory in mind while engaging in bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds). The goal is to help the brain reprocess the memory so it becomes less distressing and more neutral.
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We’ll work to strengthen a new, positive belief, helping it feel more true and fully integrated.
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Because trauma is stored not just in the mind but also in the body, we’ll check for any lingering sensations or tension. If anything remains, we’ll continue processing until you feel calm and at ease.
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Each session ends with grounding and stabilization. We’ll review coping skills and self-care practices to use between sessions so you leave feeling safe, centered, and supported.
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At the start of the next session, we’ll review previous work, assess progress, and decide what to focus on next.
FAQs
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Yes, EMDR is considered very safe when conducted by a trained professional. We’ll always prioritize your emotional safety and readiness.
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Not necessarily. EMDR does not require you to describe your trauma in detail and can be effective even if you don’t share everything.
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EMDR is designed to help you process memories at a pace that feels manageable, and I’ll help you develop coping tools to use during and between sessions. You have control throughout the process.
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While EMDR is highly effective for trauma and PTSD, it can also help with anxiety, depression, grief, and other challenges.
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EMDR is effective for many people, but no single approach works for everyone. I integrate EMDR with other evidence-informed therapies so that treatment fits your unique needs and goals.
Integrative Trauma Therapy with EMDR
In my practice, EMDR is one of several tools I use to help clients heal from trauma and create lasting change. I combine EMDR with approaches such as attachment-based, relational, humanistic, interpersonal, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Together, these methods support both the mind and body’s natural capacity for healing, helping you move toward greater emotional freedom, self-understanding, and resilience.
If you’re interested in learning more about EMDR or wondering if it’s right for you, I invite you to reach out for a consultation. Together, we’ll determine the best approach for you.
