EMDR

EMDR Therapy

Healing the Past, So You Can Live More Freely in the Present

Imagine your life as a story with many chapters. Some chapters might hold unresolved pain — experiences that haven’t fully healed and still show up in your day-to-day life. You might notice this through anxiety, stress, overreactions, nightmares, or feeling “stuck” in patterns that don’t make sense given your current reality.

It can feel like the past is still in the driver’s seat, even when you’re trying to move forward.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful, evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process and heal these experiences. It reduces the emotional charge of painful memories so they no longer control how you feel or react — giving you more freedom to live in the present.

How EMDR Works

EMDR helps the brain “re-file” unprocessed memories so they feel more distant and less distressing. One of the core tools in EMDR is Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) — often done through eye movements or gentle tapping — which activates both sides of the brain. This mimics what happens during REM sleep (the stage when we dream and naturally process experiences), but in EMDR, you’re fully awake, alert, and in control.

As your brain processes these stuck memories, they begin to lose their emotional intensity. You may gain new insights or feel more distance from painful events — not because you’re forgetting them, but because they no longer carry the same weight.

“Nothing ever really goes away until it has taught us what we need to know.”
— Pema Chödrön

When Is EMDR Helpful?

EMDR may be a good fit if you:

  • Have memories that still feel vivid, upsetting, or hard to shake
  • Feel stuck in emotional patterns like shutting down, people-pleasing, or overreacting
  • Struggle with anxiety, fear, or self-doubt that seems bigger than the current situation
  • Have experienced trauma — whether it was a single incident or a series of painful events
  • Feel triggered by everyday situations that bring up strong emotional or physical reactions
  • Carry deep-rooted beliefs like “I’m not good enough” or “It was my fault”
  • Are navigating unresolved grief, loss, or heartbreak

Note: EMDR isn’t always the best place to begin therapy — especially if you’re in crisis or feeling emotionally overwhelmed. In that case, we might start with other approaches to help build safety, stability, and coping skills before moving into deeper EMDR work.

What to Expect in an EMDR Session

EMDR follows a structured, 8-phase process. But in simple terms, here’s how it usually unfolds:

  1. We start by building safety. We’ll talk about what you’d like to work on and develop tools to help you feel grounded and supported — especially when emotions run high.
  2. When you’re ready, we identify a specific memory, issue, or feeling to focus on.
  3. During processing, I’ll guide you through Bilateral Stimulation (like following my fingers with your eyes or using gentle tapping). You simply notice what comes up — thoughts, memories, emotions, body sensations — without needing to control or force anything.
  4. As we continue, the memory tends to feel less charged. You may notice a shift in how you see yourself, the situation, or your emotional responses.

Throughout the process, you’re always in control, and we go at a pace that feels right for you.

Is EMDR Safe?

Yes — EMDR is a well-researched and widely used approach for treating trauma, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. While strong emotions can sometimes come up during processing, you’ll never be pushed to go further than you’re ready for. Safety and trust are at the heart of this work.

What About Virtual EMDR?

Virtual EMDR is just as effective as in-person sessions. Many people find it helpful to do this work from the comfort of their own space.

What Does the Research Say?

Studies show that EMDR can lead to:

  • Significant reduction in trauma-related symptoms
  • Better emotional regulation and resilience
  • Changes in brain activity associated with processing and healing
  • Lasting improvements in anxiety, stress, and overall well-being

It’s one of the most studied trauma therapies available — and it works for a wide range of people and experiences.

Curious About EMDR?

If you’re wondering whether EMDR might be right for you, I offer free consultations where we can talk more about your goals, questions, and whether this approach is a good fit for where you are in your healing journey.