What is Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)?
EMDR is a powerful, evidence-based psychotherapy designed to relieve distressing symptoms caused by trauma or stressful experiences. While it is widely recognized as one of the most effective treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), EMDR has evolved to address a broad range of challenges, including:
Panic disorders
Phobias
Attachment issues
Eating disorders
Addictions
Compulsive behaviors
This holistic therapy works by helping your brain process and heal unresolved emotional wounds that are causing current symptoms.
how does EMDR work?
EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that traumatic memories can get "stuck" in the brain, preventing them from being processed naturally. These unresolved memories remain "frozen in time," leading to emotional distress, physical symptoms, and triggers.
Using bilateral stimulation (BLS)—such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sound—the EMDR process allows the brain to reprocess traumatic memories. This dual attention technique activates both the logical and emotional parts of the brain, helping you access new insights, resolve emotional pain, and restore balance.
For example, someone who feels intense fear in ordinary situations might say, “I know I’m not in danger, but I can’t shake the feeling.” EMDR helps bridge that gap between what you logically know and what you emotionally feel, creating lasting relief.
What to expect from emdr therapy?
When you begin EMDR therapy, your therapist will guide you through an eight-phase process designed to prepare you for success, process trauma, and ensure long-lasting results:
History-Taking & Assessment
We’ll explore your history to identify memories linked to current struggles and set therapy goals.Preparation
You’ll learn self-regulation techniques to manage emotions and handle any distressing material that arises during sessions.Assessment
Together, we’ll target a specific memory by identifying its associated image, negative beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations.Desensitization
Using bilateral stimulation, we’ll process the memory, allowing your brain to naturally heal and integrate it. As processing occurs, you’ll begin to notice new, healthier thoughts and feelings emerging.Installation
We’ll replace old, negative beliefs with positive ones. For instance, “It was my fault” might shift to “I was helpless, and it wasn’t my fault.”Body Scan
We’ll check for lingering physical tension or distress related to the memory. If any remains, we’ll continue processing until it’s fully released.Closure
At the end of each session, we’ll use grounding techniques to ensure you leave feeling stable and calm. Unfinished work will be safely paused until the next session.Re-Evaluation
In subsequent sessions, we’ll revisit the processed memory to confirm that it’s fully resolved and assess overall progress.
Why Choose an EMDRIA-Certified Therapist?
Not all EMDR therapists are created equal. As an EMDRIA-Certified Therapist, I follow the highest standards of care and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in EMDR and neuroscience. This certification ensures:
Adherence to the standard EMDR protocol
Ongoing training and supervision
Expertise in applying EMDR for a wide range of issues
When you work with me, you can trust you’re in capable, compassionate hands.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
If trauma, anxiety, or distressing memories are holding you back, EMDR can help you find relief and move forward. Together, we’ll uncover the root causes of your symptoms and guide your mind and body toward healing.
Contact me today to learn more about EMDR therapy and schedule your first session. You don’t have to face this journey alone—I’m here to help every step of the way.