What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach designed to help individuals heal from distressing life experiences, trauma, and anxiety. When something overwhelming happens, our brains don’t always process it fully—leaving memories, emotions, and body sensations “stuck” in the nervous system. These unprocessed experiences can continue to affect how we think, feel, and respond in the present.
EMDR helps the brain resume its natural healing process. Through a structured eight-phase protocol, clients are guided to recall difficult experiences while engaging in bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or sound). This process allows the brain to reprocess the memory and integrate it in a healthier way, reducing emotional intensity and helping clients gain new perspective and relief.
Research shows EMDR can be highly effective for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, phobias, grief, performance issues, and negative self-beliefs. Many people report feeling calmer, more empowered, and more connected to themselves after EMDR work.
In our sessions, EMDR may involve identifying core experiences that contribute to current challenges, reprocessing them at a pace that feels safe, and strengthening positive beliefs about yourself. The goal is not to erase memories, but to help them lose their emotional charge so you can move forward with greater ease and confidence.
What will an EMDR session look like?
EMDR sessions with me are collaborative, gentle, and paced to meet you exactly where you are. Before beginning reprocessing, we spend time building a foundation of safety and trust—this includes getting to know your story, understanding what’s been feeling hard lately, and developing grounding skills you can use inside and outside of session.
When we start EMDR reprocessing, I’ll guide you to bring up an image, thought, or body sensation connected to a memory or emotion you’d like to work through. As you do, we’ll use bilateral stimulation—gentle eye movements, tapping, or sound tones—to help both sides of your brain communicate and process what’s been stuck. This allows your nervous system to release what it no longer needs to hold on to.
Because I also integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS), we may explore what “parts” of you show up during the process—perhaps a younger part that feels anxious, a protective part that wants to keep control, or a part that feels shame. Bringing awareness and compassion to these parts often deepens the healing that EMDR activates.
Throughout the session, you’re always in control. My role is to help you stay grounded, attuned, and supported as your brain and body naturally move toward resolution. We’ll close each session by reflecting on what shifted and ensuring you feel settled before leaving.
Over time, clients often describe feeling lighter, calmer, and more connected to themselves. EMDR, combined with IFS, helps you release the emotional weight of past experiences so you can move forward with greater confidence, clarity, and ease.
FAQ
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy designed to help people heal from trauma, anxiety, and other distressing life experiences. Instead of talking about painful memories in detail, EMDR helps your brain naturally reprocess them so they no longer feel as overwhelming. It’s often used to treat trauma, PTSD, anxiety, grief, and negative core beliefs like “I’m not good enough.”
Will I still be in control during EMDR sessions?
Yes, always.
You are completely in control throughout the entire EMDR process. You can pause or stop the session at any time. EMDR is not hypnosis — you remain fully alert and aware of your surroundings. My role is to guide you gently, help you stay grounded, and make sure you feel safe every step of the way. We’ll also practice grounding and regulation skills before we begin reprocessing so that you have the tools you need to stay present and supported.
Can EMDR be done with teens?
Yes! EMDR can be incredibly effective for teens.
I work with adolescents who experience anxiety, bullying, sports performance stress, or the effects of difficult family dynamics. EMDR helps teens release the emotional weight of experiences they may not have the words to express. Sessions are adapted to fit each teen’s needs and comfort level — sometimes incorporating creative methods, movement, or metaphors that make the process feel safe and accessible.
How does EMDR work?
During EMDR, we use bilateral stimulation — such as eye movements, gentle tapping, or alternating sounds — to help both sides of your brain communicate and process stuck memories. This allows your brain to file away past experiences in a more adaptive way, reducing their emotional intensity and helping you feel calmer and more in control.
What does an EMDR session look like?
We start by building safety and trust before moving into any trauma work. Once you’re ready, we identify a target memory or theme, then use bilateral stimulation while you notice thoughts, feelings, and body sensations that arise. There’s no need to go into great detail — your brain does the work naturally. Sessions end with grounding and calming techniques so you leave feeling centered.
Can EMDR be done online?
Absolutely. EMDR can be done effectively through telehealth. We can use visual, auditory, or tactile forms of bilateral stimulation that work seamlessly over video sessions. Many clients find virtual EMDR just as effective as in-person sessions.