EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps your body fully process traumatic memories, so they stop resurfacing with the same intensity. It's one of the most researched trauma treatments available, recognized by leading health organizations as an effective, science-backed treatment for PTSD.
Still reliving what’s been long over?
A memory shouldn't still feel like it's happening. But trauma doesn't always go away over time. It can pull you back into that moment again and again, long after it ended.
If flashbacks, triggers, or a nervous system that won't fully settle are still part of your daily life, EMDR was built specifically for this.
What is EMDR, and how does it work?
Your brain has a natural way of processing what happens to you — sorting experiences, making sense of them, and filing them away as memories that don't feel urgent anymore.
Trauma can interrupt that process. Instead of getting filed away, a traumatic memory can stay "stuck" — still carrying its original intensity, still able to hijack how you feel in the present.
EMDR, which stands for “Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing,” uses guided eye movements (or similar side-to-side stimulation) while you hold a difficult memory in mind, helping your brain complete the processing it wasn't able to finish on its own. The memory doesn't disappear entirely, but for most people, it stops carrying the same charge.
Abusive Relationships
Childhood Wounds
Complex Trauma & CPTSD
Anxiety & Depression
What does an EMDR session feel like?
Name it
We start by identifying a specific memory to work on, along with the belief about yourself that's attached to it — something like "I'm not safe" or "it was my fault."
Process it
From there, I guide you through sets of eye movements while you hold that memory in mind. You don't have to narrate the story in detail, just notice whatever comes up: images, emotions, body sensations, other memories.
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Notice it
Between sets, we pause so you can share what surfaced, then continue. This isn't something you have to figure out or direct — I'm with you throughout, and your brain does the actual work.
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Ground
We close by checking in with your body and grounding before you go, especially since new material can sometimes surface in the day or two after a session.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The number of EMDR sessions varies depending on what we’re working on, your history, and your goals. Some concerns can be addressed relatively quickly, while more complex or longstanding trauma may take longer. We’ll create a treatment plan together and adjust it as needed based on your progress.
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Yes. EMDR is a well-researched, evidence-based trauma therapy and is recognized as an effective treatment for PTSD and other trauma-related difficulties. Research has also supported its use with anxiety, depression, phobias, and other concerns.
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Not necessarily. You don’t have to share every detail of what happened. EMDR involves identifying memories, emotions, thoughts, and body sensations connected to what you’re working on, but you remain in control of what you share. We’ll work at a pace that feels manageable and supportive.
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Both are trauma-focused approaches, but EMDR follows a more structured, eight-phase protocol, while Brainspotting is more flexible and responsive to what emerges in the moment. EMDR typically uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping, while Brainspotting uses a fixed point in your visual field to support deeper processing. Together, we can determine which approach is the best fit for you.
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EMDR is not about repeatedly reliving or retelling your trauma. We work with specific memories in a structured and supportive way, while paying attention to your nervous system and staying within your window of tolerance. You remain in control throughout the process, and we can slow down or pause whenever needed.
Curious if EMDR is the right fit for you?
Let's talk it through in a free consultation. Together we'll figure out the best approach for your healing.