Find Relief from Trauma, Stress, and Disturbing Memories
EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy that helps people process traumatic memories and reduce the emotional distress those memories cause. At our practice, we use a safe, structured EMDR protocol to help clients move past painful experiences and reclaim emotional balance.
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Book a free 15-minute consultation to learn whether EMDR is right for you.
What Is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a structured therapy that helps the brain process and integrate distressing memories. Rather than asking you to relive the memory in detail over and over, EMDR uses guided bilateral stimulation combined with focused attention to help your mind resolve the memory and reduce its emotional charge.
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EMDR is backed by decades of research and is recommended for treating trauma, PTSD, and related conditions.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
EMDR is commonly used for:
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Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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Traumatic events such as accidents, assaults, or natural disasters
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Ongoing or complex trauma, including childhood trauma
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Panic attacks and severe anxiety tied to past events
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Disturbing memories and intrusive thoughts
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Grief and loss that remains stuck or unresolved
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EMDR can help adults, teenagers, and certain adolescents when clinically appropriate.
A free consultation will help determine if EMDR fits your needs.
Key Benefits
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Reduce the intensity of traumatic memories and flashbacks
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Decrease anxiety and hypervigilance related to past events
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Improve sleep and daily functioning
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Relieve shame, guilt, and self-blame tied to trauma
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Often shorter treatment time compared with some other therapies for trauma
How EMDR Therapy Works (Simple Overview)
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Assessment and Preparation
We begin by building safety and stability. I will gather history, explain the process, and teach grounding skills. You will not be rushed into memory processing until you feel ready. -
Target Identification
Together we select the specific memories, images, beliefs, and body sensations to address. -
Desensitization with Bilateral Stimulation
While you focus on the target memory, I will guide your attention with bilateral stimulation. This can be side-to-side eye movements, taps, or tones. The goal is to allow your brain to reprocess the memory. -
Installation of Positive Beliefs
After the memory’s emotional intensity reduces, we strengthen adaptive beliefs and feelings. -
Closure and Reassessment
Each session ends by returning you to a calm state. We regularly reassess progress and adjust the plan.
What to Expect in Sessions
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Sessions are typically 50 to 90 minutes depending on the treatment plan.
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Many clients notice relief within a few sessions, but the number of sessions varies.
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You may experience emotional activation during processing, followed by relief. I will support you with coping strategies.
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EMDR is safe when provided by a trained clinician. Your comfort and stability are the priority with my practice.
FAQ
Do I have to talk about every detail of the trauma?
​No. EMDR does not require extended verbal recounting of the trauma. You identify the core image and memory and the therapist guides the processing.
How many sessions will I need?
Treatment length varies. Some single-event traumas respond in 3 to 6 sessions. Complex or multiple traumas may require more sessions. We will provide a personalized estimate after assessment.
Will EMDR make me feel worse?
You may feel distress during processing, but sessions are structured to provide support and stabilization. The overall goal is reduced distress and improved functioning.
Is EMDR the same as exposure therapy?
No. EMDR facilitates internal reprocessing of memories with bilateral stimulation rather than prolonged exposure.
Can EMDR treat anxiety or depression not related to trauma?
EMDR can help with anxiety or depression that is rooted in unresolved memories or adverse experiences. We assess each client individually.