What Is EMDR Therapy?

Many people carry painful experiences that continue to affect their lives long after the event has passed. You might find yourself reacting strongly to certain situations, avoiding reminders of past trauma, or feeling stuck in patterns that don’t make sense. If this resonates with you, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy might offer the relief and healing you’re looking for.

EMDR is a research-supported therapy that helps people heal from trauma and distressing life experiences—without having to talk about them in detail over and over again.

How EMDR Works

When we experience something overwhelming, our brains may not fully process it the way they typically would. These unprocessed memories can get “stuck,” and even years later, they may trigger emotional, physical, or behavioral responses as if the event is happening all over again.

EMDR helps the brain reprocess those memories so that they no longer feel as distressing or intrusive. It doesn’t erase what happened—but it helps you relate to it differently, with more calm and clarity.

During EMDR, we use bilateral stimulation—often in the form of guided eye movements, tapping, or sound—to support the brain’s natural healing process. While recalling a distressing memory in a safe and controlled way, the brain begins to “digest” the memory, much like it does during REM sleep.

What Can EMDR Help With?

EMDR is best known for treating trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it’s also effective for a wide range of concerns, including:

• Anxiety and panic

• Depression

• Grief and loss

• Childhood trauma

• Phobias

• Medical trauma or chronic pain

• Attachment wounds

• Performance anxiety and low self-worth

• Negative beliefs that keep you stuck

It’s especially helpful for people who know something in the past is still affecting them—but have had a hard time resolving it through traditional talk therapy alone.

What to Expect in EMDR Therapy

EMDR is an eight-phase, structured process—but it’s always tailored to your unique needs. We begin by building a foundation of safety and stability, ensuring you have the tools to manage strong emotions before we begin any memory processing.

Once you're ready, we identify a memory or belief that feels stuck and work through it together using bilateral stimulation. Many people are surprised to find that the emotional intensity of a memory begins to fade naturally, and new insights or perspectives emerge on their own.

You are always in control during EMDR. The process moves at your pace, and we check in often to make sure you feel safe and grounded.

Is EMDR Right for You?

If you’ve been carrying the weight of past experiences and are ready for a different kind of healing, EMDR can offer a powerful path forward. Whether you're dealing with a single traumatic event or a lifetime of painful experiences, you don’t have to keep reliving the past.

If you’re curious about EMDR or wondering if it’s the right fit, I’d be happy to answer your questions and explore it with you.