Have you ever experienced a traumatic event that continues to affect you long after it's over? Do certain memories trigger intense emotional or physical reactions? Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy might be the breakthrough you've been looking for.

I'm excited to share that I've recently completed training in EMDR therapy, an evidence-based treatment that has helped millions of people heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. As someone who is passionate about offering my clients the most effective therapeutic tools available, I'm thrilled to now offer this powerful modality.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987, EMDR is a structured therapy that helps people heal from trauma and other distressing life experiences.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn't require you to talk in detail about the traumatic event or complete homework between sessions. Instead, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—typically in the form of guided eye movements—to help your brain process traumatic memories in a way that reduces their lingering effects.

Bilateral Stimulation

Guided eye movements help process memories

Brain Processing

Activates natural healing mechanisms

Rapid Results

Often faster than traditional therapy

How Does EMDR Work?

When something traumatic happens, your brain may not process the experience completely. The memory gets "stuck" with all the sights, sounds, thoughts, and feelings from that moment. This is why traumatic memories can feel so vivid and present, even years later—your brain hasn't fully processed and filed them away as "past events."

EMDR helps your brain complete this natural healing process. The bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or sounds) appears to stimulate the same mechanisms that occur during REM sleep, when your brain naturally processes experiences and emotions.

Think of it this way:

Imagine your brain has a natural filing system for memories. Most experiences get properly filed away as "past events" that you can remember without intense emotional distress. But traumatic experiences can get stuck in a "pending" folder, constantly triggering your nervous system as if the threat is still present. EMDR helps move these memories from the "pending" folder into proper storage, where they become integrated memories that no longer overwhelm you.

The Eight Phases of EMDR

EMDR therapy follows a structured eight-phase approach:

History Taking and Treatment Planning

We'll review your history and identify specific memories or experiences to target. We'll also discuss your current symptoms and goals for therapy.

Preparation

I'll explain the EMDR process, answer your questions, and teach you stress-reduction techniques to use during and between sessions. Building trust and safety is essential before processing begins.

Assessment

We'll identify the specific components of the target memory: the image, negative belief about yourself, emotions, and physical sensations. We'll also identify a positive belief you'd like to have instead.

Desensitization

This is where the bilateral stimulation happens. You'll focus on the target memory while following my hand movements with your eyes (or experiencing taps or sounds). Your brain will begin processing the memory, and the emotional charge will decrease.

Installation

We'll strengthen the positive belief you want to have about yourself in relation to the memory. The goal is to replace "I am powerless" with something like "I am strong" or "I did the best I could."

Body Scan

We'll check for any remaining physical tension or discomfort related to the memory. If present, we'll process it with additional bilateral stimulation.

Closure

At the end of each session, I'll help you return to a calm state. I'll explain what to expect between sessions and provide techniques to manage any processing that continues.

Reevaluation

At the beginning of each new session, we'll review your progress and determine if we need to continue processing the previous target or move to a new one.

What Can EMDR Treat?

While EMDR was originally developed to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), research has shown it's effective for a wide range of issues:

•Trauma and PTSD: Combat trauma, sexual assault, accidents, natural disasters, childhood abuse or neglect
•Anxiety Disorders: Panic attacks, phobias, social anxiety, generalized anxiety
•Depression: Especially when linked to past traumatic experiences
•Grief and Loss: Complicated grief, traumatic loss
•Performance Anxiety: Public speaking, test anxiety, sports performance
•Chronic Pain: When pain has a psychological component
•Disturbing Memories: Any memory that continues to cause distress

Evidence-Based and Recognized

EMDR is recognized as an effective treatment by major organizations including the American Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organization, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Numerous studies have demonstrated its effectiveness, with many clients experiencing significant improvement in fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy.

What Does an EMDR Session Feel Like?

Many clients are curious—and sometimes nervous—about what EMDR will feel like. Here's what you can expect:

During Processing

You'll remain fully conscious and in control. You might notice thoughts, feelings, images, or physical sensations arising—this is your brain processing. Some people describe it as watching a movie of their memories, while others experience more subtle shifts. Whatever you experience is exactly what your brain needs to heal.

After Sessions

Your brain may continue processing between sessions. You might have vivid dreams, notice new insights, or feel emotionally sensitive. This is normal and a sign that healing is happening. I'll provide you with tools to manage this processing and you can always reach out if you need support.

The Results

Most clients report that the memory becomes less vivid and emotionally charged. It doesn't disappear—you'll still remember what happened—but it will feel more like a distant memory rather than something happening right now. The negative beliefs associated with the memory often shift naturally to more adaptive beliefs.

Is EMDR Right for You?

EMDR can be incredibly effective, but it's not right for everyone or every situation. It works best when:

•You have specific traumatic memories or disturbing experiences you want to process
•You're able to tolerate some emotional discomfort during processing
•You're in a relatively stable place in your life (not in active crisis)
•You're open to a different approach than traditional talk therapy

During our initial consultation, we can discuss whether EMDR is a good fit for your specific situation. Sometimes we'll use EMDR alongside other therapeutic approaches, creating a customized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.

My Commitment to EMDR Excellence

I'm excited to offer EMDR therapy because I've seen firsthand how transformative it can be. My recent training has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to guide you safely through this process. I'm committed to continuing my education in EMDR and staying current with the latest research and best practices.

If you've been struggling with traumatic memories, anxiety, or other issues that haven't responded well to traditional therapy, EMDR might be the missing piece. I'd be honored to discuss whether this approach could help you move forward in your healing journey.

The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional.

If you are in a crisis or any other person may be in danger – don't use this site. These resources can provide you with immediate help.

Understanding EMDR Therapy