EMDR

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy originally developed to help alleviate distress by processing traumatic experiences. It allows your brain and body to revisit and work through these experiences without requiring you to retell every detail of your story.

EMDR is grounded in the understanding that the brain is adaptive and naturally wired for healing. However, when we go through distressing or overwhelming events, our brains can sometimes get stuck, leaving those experiences unprocessed.

Trauma occurs when these unprocessed events continue to impact your present-day functioning often showing up as negative self-beliefs, nervous system dysregulation, or intense emotional responses. EMDR, combined with developing skills for distress tolerance and nervous system regulation, can help reduce the symptoms associated with unresolved trauma or chronic stress. Over time, it supports the development of a more grounded, empowered, and compassionate sense of self.

How EMDR Works

EMDR is an eight-phase therapeutic process designed to help you process difficult memories, thoughts, or beliefs (referred to as “targets”). We begin by identifying/planning the specific memory, experience, or belief you’d like to work on. From there, we prepare for EMDR by building positive coping skills and assessing whether this approach is the right fit for your needs.

Once you're ready, we begin the desensitization phase: reducing the emotional intensity of your chosen target using a technique called bilateral stimulation (such as alternating right-left tapping or pulses). After this, we move into the installation phase, which helps strengthen any positive shifts that emerged during desensitization.

During the body scan phase, you’ll tune into any lingering physical sensations that may indicate unresolved aspects of the experience, what we might call “unfinished business.” Each session concludes with a closure phase, where we use your coping tools to help you leave feeling calm, grounded, and centeredespecially since EMDR can be emotionally demanding at times.

In the following session, we begin with re-evaluation to assess how the target has shifted and determine whether any further work is needed.

You don’t need to memorize or fully understand all eight phases to benefit from EMDR. Every session is tailored to your needs, and we’ll work collaboratively to decide how and when to approach each target.

If you’re curious to learn more, feel free to visit EMDRIA.org or watch this brief introductory video explaining the EMDR process.

Who Can Benefit from EMDR?

EMDR can be a powerful and effective treatment for a wide range of concerns, including shock trauma, attachment trauma, depression, anxiety, and everyday life stressors. I also use EMDR to support clients working through chronic pain, grief, and deeply rooted negative beliefs.

You don’t need to have experienced a specific traumatic event to benefit from EMDR. In fact, I may suggest it as part of your treatment even if you're unsure whether it's the right fit; it often proves helpful in unexpected ways.

Many of my clients find EMDR to be a gentler alternative to traditional talk therapy, especially when they’ve felt overwhelmed by painful emotions. Because it doesn't require retelling your full story, it can reduce emotional distress while still promoting deep healing. EMDR is also a valuable tool for those who feel stuck, disconnected from their bodies, or are longing to feel more grounded, empowered, and fully present in their lives.

Want to Learn More?

Contact me today to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if EMDR can help you.