EMDR
What is EMDR therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an evidence-based approach that helps people heal from trauma, painful experiences, and distressing memories. It works by helping the brain reprocess stuck or overwhelming experiences so they can be integrated in a healthier, more adaptive way.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements, sounds, or tapping—to help both sides of the brain communicate and process memories. During a session, you’ll focus on a specific memory or emotion while engaging in this bilateral stimulation, which allows your brain to reprocess the experience without becoming overwhelmed. Over time, distressing memories lose their emotional intensity, and new, more empowering beliefs can take root.
What kinds of issues can EMDR help with?
EMDR is best known for treating trauma and PTSD, but it can also be effective for anxiety, depression, grief, perfectionism, phobias, self-esteem issues, and recovery from eating disorders. It’s a versatile approach that supports emotional healing and helps you move from surviving past experiences to feeling more grounded and empowered in the present.
What does an EMDR session look like?
After an initial assessment and preparation phase, we’ll work together to identify target memories or themes related to your symptoms or struggles. Sessions are structured and paced carefully, ensuring you feel safe and supported throughout. EMDR doesn’t require you to talk in detail about painful events—instead, it focuses on how those experiences are stored in your body and mind, helping them release their hold over time.
How long does EMDR take?
The length of EMDR therapy varies depending on your goals, history, and what you’d like to focus on. EMDR follows an eight-phase model, but that doesn’t mean the process takes only eight sessions.
Phase 1 involves intake, history-taking, and identifying target memories or themes.
Phase 2 focuses on building resources, learning coping skills, and strengthening your sense of safety and stability before beginning memory processing.
Phases 3–8 involve the reprocessing of memories and the integration of new insights and beliefs.
We move at your pace, and it’s completely okay to pause or slow down at any point. Taking breaks from processing to return to talk therapy or focus on coping skills is a normal and healthy part of the work. Openly sharing how the process feels with your therapist helps guide the pace and ensures you’re supported every step of the way.
Can EMDR be done online?
While I generally prefer to do EMDR in person—as it can help with grounding and the sense of shared presence—the therapy is also highly effective online. Virtual EMDR can still offer deep healing and flexibility, and together we’ll decide what setting best supports your comfort and progress.