EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
The Approach
EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing - is a therapy approach designed to help your brain heal from painful or overwhelming experiences. It uses gentle, rhythmic stimulation (like guided eye movements or tapping) while you briefly bring a difficult memory to mind. This helps your brain do something it was always capable of - processing the experience and filing it away, rather than keeping it stuck on repeat.
One of the things people appreciate most about EMDR is that you don't have to talk through every detail of what happened. You don't need to find the right words or relive the story out loud. Instead, you simply hold the memory lightly in mind while we work through it together - and your nervous system takes care of the rest. It can feel surprisingly gentle for something so effective.
EMDR is one of the most well-researched therapy approaches available, with decades of studies supporting its effectiveness - not just for trauma and PTSD, but for anxiety, grief, self-worth, and more. If you've tried other approaches and still feel stuck, EMDR may offer a different path forward.
Is It Right for You?
EMDR was originally developed for trauma and PTSD, and the research supporting it is extensive. But its benefits extend well beyond a single diagnosis. If you find yourself stuck in patterns of anxiety, self-doubt, or emotional reactivity that seem out of proportion to your current life, EMDR may be exactly what you've been looking for.
EMDR was developed specifically to process traumatic memories and reduce the distress that keeps them feeling present and overwhelming.
When anxiety is rooted in past experiences, EMDR helps reprocess the memories driving it so your nervous system can finally find calm.
EMDR addresses the underlying negative beliefs and unresolved experiences that fuel persistent feelings of hopelessness or low self-worth.
For grief that feels stuck or complicated, EMDR gently helps you process loss without requiring you to relive every detail out loud.
Early experiences of neglect, instability, or adversity can shape how we see ourselves - EMDR helps reprocess those formative memories at their root.
If self-doubt or fear of failure is holding you back, EMDR can target the core beliefs and past experiences that undermine your confidence.
Beyond EMDR
I offer a holistic, eclectic approach that integrates humanistic, somatic, emotion-focused, psychodynamic, person-centered, and cognitive-behavioral perspectives. I frequently use a combination of CBT, EMDR, and Solution-Focused therapy to help clients move closer to their goals. In my experience, EMDR has proven especially effective for supporting client growth and addressing past trauma.
I view problems primarily as developmental and tailor my approach to each person's unique needs. No two people are the same - and no two treatment plans should be either.
While EMDR is a central part of my practice, it is not the only path forward. Depending on what you're working through and what feels right for you, we may draw on any number of other evidence-based approaches. The approaches listed below reflect the full range of therapeutic options available to you.
"For all of us, unprocessed memories are generally the basis of negative responses, attitudes and behaviors. Processed memories, on the other hand, are the basis of adaptive positive responses, attitudes and behaviors."- Francine Shapiro
The Process
Each session is structured to keep you safe and in control - building trust and inner resources before any processing begins.
We explore your history, identify what you'd like to work on, and build a plan at your pace. No pressure to share more than you're ready for.
We develop grounding and stabilization skills - tools you can use during and between sessions to feel steady throughout the process.
Using bilateral stimulation, you hold a target memory in mind while your brain reprocesses it. Many clients feel noticeably lighter after just a few sessions.
Each session ends with a return to a grounded state. Over time, you'll notice real shifts in how you think, feel, and respond.
Common Questions
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
No - one of the most meaningful aspects of EMDR is that you don't need to narrate your trauma in detail; you simply hold the memory in mind while we work through it together, which many clients find far less overwhelming than traditional talk therapy.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the complexity of what you're working through - some people notice significant shifts in as few as 6–12 sessions, while others benefit from longer-term work, and we'll reassess together as we go.
Is EMDR effective via telehealth?
Yes - research supports the effectiveness of EMDR delivered via telehealth, and I use adapted bilateral stimulation techniques such as auditory tones or tapping that translate well to an online format.
What does EMDR feel like?
Most clients describe EMDR as more active than traditional talk therapy - you may notice emotions, body sensations, or unexpected memories arising during processing, but many people also experience a surprising sense of calm or relief as the session unfolds.
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